“My remark in Bratislava caused much anxiety. I said that one of the reasons why the war began in Ukraine was its desire to become a NATO member. I also added that I did not want to cite the Russian government’s statements referring to a question of why the war began,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

In the PM’s words, on the second day, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that one of the reasons was Ukraine’s aspiration to become a member of the European family, and French President Macron reflected the same.

Irakli Garibashvili criticized “wise critics,” who never stopped talking and urged them to readdress their criticism to the Presidents of the European Commission and France.

According to the PM, he had heard similar accusations about the war in Georgia – that the reason was Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

“I cannot explain. Simply, amid such a challenging geopolitical situation, why should any expert or former government member be interested in misinterpreting or creating incorrect sentiments?” he said.

Garibashvili stated Georgia has an army fully complying with NATO standards.

“We fought a lot in Afghanistan, Iraq. Yet, Georgia’s EU candidate status was put into doubt last year, while a CIS member was awarded status. Our irresponsible politicians did not react to this. This shows how they protect our country’s interests. I don’t remember, but yesterday or a day before, President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine saw no sense in attending the Vilnius Summit if no real promise. This was the Ukrainian President’s statement,” he said.

The PM urged reporters not to make TV stories around fake news. He also wished the country peace and stability.

“Everything will be all right despite desires of evil wishers both inside or outside,” he added.