EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell on Monday said, “what we are seeing in Eastern Ukraine over many days has been thoroughly condemned by the EU in terms of the use of heavy weaponry, the shelling of the civilian areas.”

During his visit to Georgia’s Kakheti region, Ambassador Hartzell stressed that “the EU stands together with our transatlantic partners, NATO, G7, and others. We are working within the framework of the principle set up by the OSCE about the European security order. ”

“We stand for the respect for the sovereign rights of the countries to make their choices, standing against spheres of interest, standing for the sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that are not only important for Ukraine these days but also something that we are defending as you know here in Georgia.

In parallel to looking still for a diplomatic solution to this situation, we are also taking actions to prepare for a response in case of military aggression, which will lead to massive consequences and severe causes, including financial and economic measures taken by the EU and other partners. We are standing on these principles, we are standing in solidarity with our partners. We have a vision for this neighbourhood which is the vision for countries that are strong, resilient and prosperous democracies,” EU Ambassador underscored.

First stop, Manavi Fortress, on a newly upgraded road. With @MRDIGeorgia, we are improving access to local historical sites. To help boost tourism and create opportunities for the local population. #EU4Georgia pic.twitter.com/xU2ZE7iQM5

— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) February 21, 2022