Georgia (country)–Russia relations

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.

Moscow on Friday accused foreign countries of fomenting mass protests in Georgia, likening them to an attempted coup designed to sow tension on Russia's borders.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that several days of demonstrations in the Georgian capital Tbilisi reminded him of a Ukrainian uprising that ousted a Kremlin-friendly government in 2014.

Georgia was engulfed in unrest last night after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the capital Tbilisi to oppose a controversial law on "foreign agents" passed by parliament at first reading, Reuters reported.

"During peace negotiations, it will be clear whether Russia is really an aggressor," according to the deputy chairman of the BSP parliamentary group, Ivan Chenchev.

Points for the mobilization of soldiers for Ukraine in Moscow closed at 2 p.m. local time on Monday, said Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, as quoted by the Russian Interfax news agency.

South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev suspended the decree on calling a referendum on the country's entry into Russia until consultations are complete with Moscow, media reports said on Tuesday.