Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary European Integration Committee, said that the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity must form the basis for any normalization of relations with Russia.

Commenting on Mikhail Kalugin’s recent statement, the Director of the Fourth Department for CIS Countries at the Russian Foreign Ministry, who claimed that “Russia is genuinely aiming to normalise relations with Georgia, provided it does not become a ‘pawn’ in games against Russia,” Makhashvili responded:

“Words must be matched with concrete actions. The interest of all Georgian authorities should be to normalize relations with Russia solely to restore Georgia’s territorial integrity. This should be and is the fundamental starting point for any normalization of relations. Russia is still occupying Georgia. A serious indication of intent would be for Russia to express readiness to restore territorial integrity—not just in words, but at the political level,” Makhashvili said.

He added, “We have consistently maintained a pragmatic policy, aiming for strategic partnerships with our neighbors. With Russia, which continues to occupy Georgian territory, our approach should be peaceful and rational, with the singular goal of restoring Georgia’s territorial integrity. All steps we take should be guided by this principle, and nothing else.”