MP Sharmanashvili: Ukraine realized forceful government change in Georgia is impossible

“Ukraine is well aware of the steps it needs to take. Hopefully, Ukraine will pursue a practical approach in its relations with Georgia,” said Tengiz Sharmanashvili, a member of the Georgian Dream.

He noted that Ukraine has made “many mistakes” in its relations with Georgia.

“Sanctions have been imposed, and some officials who are wanted in Georgia have been appointed. Some of them are wanted based on court verdicts, which have already deemed them guilty. There are also many other issues at play. If pragmatic steps are taken, our retaliatory measures will follow promptly. We welcome relationships that are grounded in reality and mutual respect,” Sharmanashvili said.

When asked why Ukraine’s position towards Georgia has softened, he responded that “they are convinced that it is impossible to change the government in Georgia by force, as the people they support here do not have the resources to do so. I believe they have understood this reality.”

For reference, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released information regarding the telephone conversation between Minister Botchorishvili and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. According to the ministry, the call covered Georgian-Ukrainian relations, underscored the importance of dialogue, and addressed the next steps in that direction.

Sybiha also published a post on social media following the call, stating that the two sides had agreed on a mutual interest in normalising Ukraine-Georgia relations.

“I am pleased that, following our contacts in Yerevan, I continued the dialogue with Maka Botchorishvili. We agreed on a mutual interest in normalising Ukraine-Georgia relations,” Sybiha wrote.

Sybiha and Botchorishvili held a meeting in Yerevan on May 4, on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit.