US State Department responds to Lavrov’s offer to „help” Georgia in normalizing relations with neighbors

The US State Department has pushed back against recent comments by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who offered Moscow’s assistance in helping Georgia “normalize relations” with its Russian-occupied regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Speaking to Voice of America, a State Department spokesperson reiterated Washington’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Russia invaded Georgia in 2008 and continues to occupy 20% of its territory. Our support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and the Georgian people’s aspirations for a Euro-Atlantic future and peaceful conflict resolution remain unchanged,” the spokesperson said.

Lavrov’s comments, made during a press conference following the UN General Assembly, implied that Moscow is ready to facilitate dialogue between Georgia and its breakaway regions if there are mutual guarantees of non-aggression. Lavrov also praised the current Georgian government’s stance, suggesting it has a more “honest and correct” perspective on past events, including the 2008 war.

In response, the US State Department called on Russia to fully implement the EU-brokered 2008 ceasefire agreement, which obligates Russia to withdraw its military and security forces from Georgian territory.

“We once again urge the Russian Federation to fully implement the commitments of the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement and immediately withdraw its military and security forces from Georgian territory,” the spokesperson stated.

Meanwhile, the US State Department addressed the broader context of Georgian politics ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. Referring to Georgian Dream’s recent campaign promoting peace over war and drawing comparisons with Ukraine, the spokesperson stressed the importance of the elections as a moment for voters to reflect on the government’s decisions regarding Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.
“As for the upcoming elections, we view them as an opportunity for Georgian voters to express their views on the Georgian Dream government’s decision to abandon its Euro-Atlantic path and the deepening of European integration,” the spokesperson added.

On October 4 Russian Foreign Minister met with the so-called foreign ministers of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Moscow, further underscoring Russia’s continued involvement in the occupied territories. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the talks will focus on bilateral relations, the transformation of the international system, and security coordination in the South Caucasus through the Geneva discussions framework.

Lavrov’s remarks follow statements made by the ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, who recently urged reflection on the 2008 war during a pre-election rally in Gori. Ivanishvili called for an apology for Georgia’s role in the conflict, blaming the former government for igniting the war. These comments have sparked reactions from leaders of the Russian-occupied territories, with de facto South Ossetia calling for practical steps in the Geneva discussions and Abkhazia suggesting Georgia restore and improve diplomatic relations with Russia.