Georgia takes a pragmatic position on the Ukrainian crisis in accordance with its national interests.
Tbilisi is in solidarity with official Kyiv in assessing the events in Ukraine, drawing analogies with Moscow’s actions in August 2008 in Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region. The Georgian authorities vote for all resolutions condemning Russia in international organizations, comply with Western sanctions, provide Ukraine with large-scale humanitarian assistance, including helping Ukrainian refugees.
At the same time, Georgia avoids actions that could lead to the direct involvement in the conflict with Russia, in particular, it refuses to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Tbilisi does not break economic ties with the Russian Federation, does not introduce discriminatory measures against Russian citizens and business, as this could cause serious damage to economic development. In 2022, national GDP grew by 10%, largely due to trade with Russia, money transfers and income from Russian tourists.
Moscow respects Georgia’s balanced approach, especially in a situation where the government of the republic is under strong pressure from the opposition, the West and Ukraine. Russia stands for the further deepening of bilateral economic and humanitarian ties, the making of a positive atmosphere that excludes anti-Russian manifestations. This was stated by representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, including the head of the department, Sergei Lavrov, and deputies of the State Duma.
In Georgia, they believe that “the ball is in court” of Russia. Moscow could take steps towards Tbilisi. This will allow the ruling party “Georgian Dream”, on the eve of the 2024 parliamentary elections, to reinforce in the eyes of its voters the correctness of the policy of strategic patience towards Russia.
According to the International Expert Platform (IEP), if Russia and Georgia continue the course towards the normalization of relations and strengthen beneficial interaction, the process will receive positive dynamics. We can expect a phased resumption of direct flights. In the future, the issue of liberalizing the visa regime may be considered again.