Kiev urges the US, EU, and the global community to emulate its actions.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Georgia’s government, accusing President Zelensky of surrendering the country to Russia.
Since late October, Georgia has experienced widespread protests sparked by the pro-Western opposition’s rejection of the Georgian Dream party’s electoral victory.
Following the government’s suspension of EU accession talks, citing Brussels’ alleged manipulation of Georgian politics, protests escalated last week. Clashes between rioters and police in Tbilisi led to hundreds of arrests.
In a Thursday address, Zelensky announced sanctions against Georgian Dream party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili and 19 other officials.
“These sanctions target Georgian officials surrendering Georgia to Putin, fueling current protests,” Zelensky stated.
He urged the US, EU, and the international community to impose similar restrictions on Georgia.
“We must protect Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, united against Moscow,” Zelensky emphasized.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested Zelensky’s actions stemmed from “anger over Georgia’s rejection of the Ukrainian scenario.”
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated earlier this week that a Maidan-style coup attempt had “failed” in Georgia.
“Foreign funding fueled a coordinated, pre-planned effort. This explains opposition to the Transparency Law, designed to conceal foreign financing of revolutionary activities,” Kobakhidze explained.
Tbilisi passed this legislation earlier this year despite opposition protests labeling it “a Russian law.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised the Georgian leadership’s “bravery and character” in resisting protests and foreign interference, while denying any Russian government involvement.