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Zelenskyy urges EU to act against Ivanishvili, ‘protect’ Georgia’s European path

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the European Union to take action against Georgian “oligarch” Bidzina Ivanishvili, warning that his influence “threatens” Georgia’s European future.

Speaking at the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Zelenskyy accused a “mafia under Russian control” in Georgia of working to align the country with President Vladimir Putin’s interests and divert it from its European trajectory, reports Evropeiska Pravda. He urged EU leaders to impose sanctions on Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and his associates to prevent them from “stealing Georgia’s European future.”

Georgia has seen renewed protests following the October 26 parliamentary elections, which opposition groups and President Salome Zourabichvili have labeled as fraudulent. Demonstrators are calling for new elections.

The protests escalated on November 28 after the Georgian government announced that EU accession negotiations would not be pursued until late 2028. The crackdown on demonstrators, including arrests and reported violence, prompted sanctions from the Baltic states, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

On December 5, Zelenskyy signed an order imposing personal and economic sanctions on Ivanishvili and 18 others accused of aligning Georgia with Russia’s interests.

Tensions between Ukraine and Georgia’s governments have been longstanding. In March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy recalled Ukraine’s ambassador from Tbilisi over the Georgian government’s alleged obstruction of volunteer support for Ukraine and its stance on sanctions against Russia.

In subsequent months, Kyiv took further diplomatic steps, including dismissing its ambassador to Georgia and protesting over the treatment of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, a Ukrainian citizen imprisoned in Georgia.

In September 2024, Ukraine recalled its chargé d’affaires from Georgia, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga citing ongoing concerns over bilateral relations.

Zelenskyy continues to engage with Georgia’s opposition and President Zourabichvili, underscoring his commitment to supporting Georgia’s European aspirations despite challenges.

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