Zelensky imposes sanctions on Georgian government
Date
12/9/2024 6:07:37 AM
(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions on the government of Georgia, accusing it of "surrendering" the country to Russia. The sanctions target Georgian Dream party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and 19 other officials, with Zelensky claiming that the Georgian government’s actions are fueling ongoing protests in the country. These protests erupted in late October when the pro-Western opposition refused to accept the results of a parliamentary election, and escalated when the government announced it would suspend EU accession talks, citing manipulation by Brussels. Violent clashes with Police in Tbilisi have led to hundreds of arrests.
Zelensky called on the US, EU, and other global powers to follow Ukraine’s example and impose sanctions on Georgia, stressing the importance of uniting against Russian influence in the region, which includes Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. In response, Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, suggested that Zelensky’s actions were driven by frustration over Georgia's rejection of Ukraine's political model.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has rejected accusations of foreign-backed destabilization, pointing to efforts to resist external interference and criticism of a controversial law allowing foreign financing for political activities. Despite the protests, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed admiration for the Georgian government's stance, though he denied any involvement in the country’s internal affairs.
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