Georgia saved U.S. $2.5 bln in Afghanistan and Iraq; PM demands impartiality from Trump administration
Georgia saved U.S. $2.5 bln in Afghanistan and Iraq; PM demands impartiality from Trump administration

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has asserted that Georgia’s participation in Afghanistan and Iraq has resulted in the United States saving approximately $2.5 billion. Speaking on Imedi TV, the Prime Minister emphasised that 32 brave Georgian soldiers lost their lives in these missions and that their sacrifices deserve proper recognition from the American government.

“We must acknowledge our country’s significant contribution to these international efforts, which can be quantified,” Kobakhidze stated. “Specifically, in my letter, I highlighted that the U.S. saved around $2.5 billion through our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq alone. Meanwhile, the actual assistance provided to Georgia from the American budget is substantially less than this figure.”

The Prime Minister also pointed out what does not constitute genuine aid.

“Primarily, these are funds spent on creating instability within our country through USAID, NED, and other foundations. This cannot be considered assistance. The only period when American aid genuinely supported our economy was from 2008 to 2011, during which it aimed to sustain Saakashvili’s regime, the very regime that initiated the 2008 war in Georgia through the Deep State. Neither the preservation of Saakashvili’s regime nor the financing of chaos via NGOs, USAID, and NED can be regarded as true support for Georgia.”

He further clarified: “If we exclude these elements and consider everything else, the real assistance falls far short of the $2.5 billion we ‘saved’ the U.S. through our military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. When it comes to our soldiers, this is beyond mere numbers. They made the ultimate sacrifice—giving their lives in service of these missions. Their sacrifices demand recognition from the United States. That is why we are highlighting these facts. Impartiality is the only demand we are making of President Trump’s administration.”

Kobakhidze also noted that it has been acknowledged that destabilising activities funded by USAID, NED, and similar foundations have occurred in several countries, including Georgia.

“Even if no positive steps are taken by President Trump’s administration, his election has already brought substantial benefits to our country and reinforced societal beliefs that we have long held. We previously warned the public that USAID, NED, and other foundations were financing disorder and revolutionary activities within Georgia. The majority of society believed this, but confirmation from President Trump’s statements has been significant and reassuring for our citizens,” he concluded.