Ex-Ambassador: Russia offers cooperation if Georgia accepts new geopolitical realities

Valeri Chechelashvili, Georgia’s former ambassador to Russia and Ukraine stated that Russia’s main message is that cooperation with Georgia is possible in any field, but only if Georgia acknowledges the new geopolitical realities.

Chechelashvili emphasized that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent statements are rooted in broader strategic goals.

“Lavrov’s statement is based on long-term strategies. We understand these strategies, and we know that Russia’s primary message is that cooperation with Georgia is feasible in any sector, provided Georgia recognizes the new geopolitical reality. This is part of Russia’s overarching strategy, and there is nothing positive about it. It is simply a way for Russia to exploit the ruling party’s narratives to strengthen its foreign agenda in the region and in Georgia,” Chechelashvili said.

Lavrov recently stated that Moscow is ready to assist Georgia in normalizing relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, should the countries express interest in such a process.