Georgia (country)–Russia relations

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday Brussels had put forward a list of Georgians to sanction over a crackdown on pro-Western protesters, but Hungary was set to block the measures.

"We have proposed the list for sanctions for these people who are... using really force and violence against the opposition," Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Georgian opposition supporters launch fireworks towards the police during a protest in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, 02 Dec. 2024.

Georgia's Health Ministry said on Tuesday that 26 people, mostly protesters, were injured in the latest night of anti-government protest in the Caucasus country.

Protests have continued to rock Georgia following the government's controversial decision to suspend its bid to join the European Union. Demonstrations began on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would halt EU accession talks for four years, triggering widespread anger.

Protests erupted in Tbilisi after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a delay in the country's EU accession talks until 2028, sparking violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Riot police employed water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse crowds near Parliament.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Thursday that while Tbilisi remains committed to its goal of European Union membership, it will not pursue accession until 2028, accusing Brussels of "blackmail".

Aslan Bzhania, the president of Abkhazia, has stepped down following discussions with the opposition, according to a Telegram message and a signed document reported by Reuters. His resignation comes after widespread protests in the region, sparked by a controversial investment agreement signed with Moscow.

Democracy in Georgia is facing significant threats, according to a statement from the European Parliament's press office. Repressive laws are hindering the media, civil society, and the LGBTQ+ community, prompting urgent calls for change.

The Russian parliament has embarked on proceedings to vote on the country's withdrawal from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) come February 21.

He pointed out that the perspectives of that organization are not clear.
"In a little more than a year, the Helsinki Final Act will be 50 years old. We regret to say that the OSCE welcomes this anniversary in a sad state, and its prospects are unclear," said Lavrov.

The decision by Tbilisi authorities to resume flights between Georgia and Russia prompted the opposition to protest against the government on Friday.

Protesters gathered at the airport carried banners reading "You are not welcome" as the first direct flight in almost four years arrived from Russia, the BBC reported. People also gathered in front of the parliament in Tbilisi.