“Georgia is acting in good faith, ensuring it is not used as a conduit to evade sanctions. Since 2022, we have successfully maintained this position, and there has not been a single instance of Georgia being implicated,” stated Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

Maka Botchorishvili explained that, since 2022, a concerted campaign has been underway to suggest that Georgia is being exploited to bypass sanctions, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

“Since 2022, we have observed a campaign against Georgia often referred to as the ‘black hole,’ involving international actors, opposition figures, and various organisations. This campaign aims to tarnish Georgia’s reputation and undermine its interests. It continues to this day and is likely to persist. We are responding through concrete actions, cooperation with international partners, and steadfast efforts. Georgia is grateful for the recognition of its good-faith attitude in this ongoing process,” Botchorishvili added.

The Georgian government has also received a letter from the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O’Sullivan, expressing appreciation. “I thank you for your commitment expressed at the highest level and steps already taken not to allow circumvention of EU sanctions vis-à-vis Russia,” reads the official letter.