Ruling party founder Ivanishvili likely collaborating with Russian intelligence, says ex-deputy minister

Nino Kalandadze, director of the political foundation Chavchavadze Center and former deputy foreign minister, stated that there is a high likelihood that the founder and Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, Bidzina Ivanishvili is cooperating with the Russian intelligence service.

Kalandadze believes that Ivanishvili is assisting Russian oligarchs in evading sanctions and possibly cooperating with Russian intelligence services.

“This is of greater concern to Washington, as Ivanishvili likely supports Russian oligarchs in avoiding sanctions while also leaving Washington with no options to secure positive outcomes for Georgia,” she said.
Ex-official hinted that US authorities may be preparing to act on this intelligence, either before or after the upcoming elections.

“Most likely there is intelligence documentation held against Ivanishvili, and it is now believed that the time has come to take specific actions against him. Whether this will happen before or after the elections is difficult to say at this stage,” she noted.

Recent media reports indicate that the US is considering imposing sanctions on Ivanishvili shortly.