“Unfortunately, since the beginning of Russia’s large-scale aggression [in February], despite numerous requests, we have not received a response from the Georgian government over the provision of arms, ammunition and other military and dual purpose equipment”, Andriy Kasianov, the charge d’affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, said on Tuesday.
“We have always been sincere and open in our intentions. We still believe that Ukraine’s appeal for military assistance to our brotherly nation Georgia – at a time when it concerned survival, life or death – was completely justified, fair and necessary. At one time, the Ukrainian government helped Georgia evacuate people in the mountains of Svaneti, provided the strongest humanitarian assistance to Georgia in 1993, as well as military technical and political assistance in 2008 [during the Russia-Georgia war]. Also, it was justified and necessary to organize efforts to send dedicated brave men to Ukraine, who decided to protect the latter from the common enemy of our countries – Russia”, said the diplomat.
He said that the Ukrainian side “denies any accusation over the attempt to drag Georgia in the war”.
“Furthermore, we reject any accusations against Ukraine of trying to drag Georgia into a war with Russia. We are very concerned about the constant accusations and speculations on this topic in the internal politics of Georgia. Ukraine still needs weapons, ammunition and equipment”, he said.
“Ukraine is now in dire need of help rebuilding its energy system, from generators and transformers to providing lighting for hospitals, homes and schools” the diplomat noted.
Responding to the death of 33 Georgian volunteers in the Russia-Ukraine war, Kasianov said “they are real heroes” and would “always be in our hearts”.
Commenting on the health of currently imprisoned former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, who is a citizen of Ukraine, the official stated his government was “concerned” by the third president’s health and would protect its citizens.