Rondeli Foundation researcher Gogolashvili: recall of ambassador by Kyiv not a diplomatic demarche

The recall of an Ukrainian ambassador from Georgia by President Volodymyr Zelensky is no means a political demarche, Kakha Gogolashvili, a researcher at Rondeli Foundation has told Front News.

He believes by this move Zelensky softened a tone towards the Georgian government and shifted the blame wholly on Ambassador Igol Dolgov. 

Zelensky has stated that the ambassadors who were unable to work effectively in the countries where they represent Ukraine amid the war, would have to find another job. 

He pointed at imposing sanctions on Russia, provision weapons and ensuring humanitarian or other aid to the war-torn country. 

“To recall an ambassador is a country’s internal issue and has nothing to do with a diplomatic demarche. However, the reasons given by Zelensky, of course, indirectly indicate  that he is not satisfied by the quality of the assistance ensured by the Georgian Dream authorities,” Gogolashvili said.

He says that the recall of the ambassador will be logically followed by the appointment of his replacement from whom Zelensky will demand concrete results. 

“In fact, Zelensky has refrained from further straining relations with the Georgian government,” Gogolashvili stated. 

He said that the Georgian authorities could have symbolically handed  over armors to Ukraine. 

“It is clear that we do not produce weapons, but Georgia could have helped Ukraine with armors and it would be a kind gesture. When you do not get involved in a confrontation, refuse to impose sanctions, you should explain it properly, not in the way it was done ( by Georgian officials),” Gogolashvili said. 

The Georgian government says that imposing sanctions on Russia would affect Georgian citizens far more than Russia, however, noting that Georgia had supported Ukraine in all international resolutions and platforms and is active to ensure humanitarian and other aid needed for the Ukrainian people.