“Russian brutality does not define this day—rather, April 9th belongs to Georgians who showed unprecedented courage and who wanted their country to be free and led Georgia forward toward independence,” US Embassy in Georgia said in a statement on the occasion of the 33^rd anniversary of April 9 Tragedy in Tbilisi.

“Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked war in Ukraine is especially poignant in Georgia as they are reminded of their own past with Russia: a history of broken promises, violence, and occupation. This is why tens of thousands of Georgians continue to rally, to gather humanitarian aid, and to host and support Ukrainian refugees.

The brutality of the Russian army unfortunately spans centuries, and Georgia has its share of vivid nightmares at the hands of its aggressive neighbor. On April 9, 1989, this brutality was personified by Soviet troops, assaulting and killing pro-independence demonstrators, creating painful memories.

However, Russian brutality does not define this day—rather, April 9th belongs to Georgians who showed unprecedented courage and who wanted their country to be free and led Georgia forward toward independence,” reads the statement.

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan laid a wreath at the April 9 Memorial in front of the parliament building and commemorated victims of the tragedy.