The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the situation regarding the Acting Charge d’Affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, explaining that it was not a political act like the recall of the Ukrainian ambassador in 2022. Instead, it was related to the purchase of a household item by a representative of the Ukrainian embassy, which, according to Ukrainian authorities, was deemed inappropriate during wartime.

“We are talking about the purchase of washing machines,” Kobakhidze clarified, noting that the Ukrainian authorities believed such purchases were unsuitable given the current war conditions.

He emphasized that, unlike the recall of the ambassador in 2022, which was a political decision linked to Georgia’s refusal to join sanctions and send volunteers to Ukraine, this situation did not have the same political implications.

“This decision is not of the same nature as the recall of the ambassador in 2022, which was politically motivated,” Kobakhidze said.

“In this case, a representative of the embassy, who has diplomatic status, purchased household items, which was seen as inappropriate during wartime by the Ukrainian authorities.”

The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiga, had summoned the temporary representative, Mykhailo Kharyshyn, and remarked that “ambassadors of a country at war cannot be detached from the reality of war.”