Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili stated that restoring direct flights between Georgia and the Russian Federation is unacceptable given the international community’s and all Georgia’s partners’ solidarity with Ukraine.

The president described the government’s, the ruling team’s, and one segment of society’s assertion that Georgians residing in Russia had difficulty accessing Georgia as “ridiculous, to say it mildly.”

“We must not lose sight of Russia’s old tactics. In bringing up such issues, the Kremlin aims to undermine Georgia’s relationship with its western partners. This is unacceptable,” she said.

Salome Zourabichvili urged the government to “seriously deal” with the influx of Russians into the country.

According to her, “people must have the sense that national interests and security are maintained.”

Also, the president believes that the government should be concerned about the country’s reputation. It should respond to allegations of sanctions evasion through Georgia with fact-based arguments.

The President reflected on the Russian Foreign Minister’s statement, in which Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that Russia would soon resume direct air traffic with Georgia.