Russia Warns Georgia Could Be Classified as ‘Unfriendly’ Following EU Candidacy
Moscow – Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday that Georgia could be designated a “country of hostility” if the nation formally joins the European Union. The declaration follows Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country granted in 2023, though Tbilisi suspended its accession efforts in 2024. Despite a lack of official diplomatic relations since the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict, Georgia’s stance has recently shifted toward increased engagement with the Kremlin.
However, Russia maintains that full ties cannot be established until Moscow reverses its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Zakharova cited concerns regarding the potential impact of EU membership on Georgia’s tourism industry and communication between Georgian citizens and Russia, particularly given the significant Georgian diaspora within Russia. She highlighted potential disruptions to trade, specifically referencing the EU’s energy embargo and the loss of preferential trade agreements with Russia and the CIS countries.
Furthermore, Zakharova indicated Russia could implement retaliatory economic measures associated with the “unfriendly country” designation, including requiring payments in rubles. Russia currently lists Georgia as one of its “friendliest neighbors,” a designation that has seen an increase in Georgia’s rating compared to Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2024. The statement reflects ongoing tensions between Georgia and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Georgia’s pursuit of closer ties with the European Union.
Spokesperson Zakharova emphasized the potential consequences of Georgia’s alignment with the EU bloc.
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This escalating rhetoric is deeply concerning and risks further destabilizing relations between Russia and Georgia.