Georgian Parliament Speaker: despite Ukrainian Gov’t’s hostile policy toward Georgians, we stand by Ukrainian people

Georgia’s actions are guided not by fear of provoking anyone nor by a desire to appease, but by the national interests of the Georgian people, said on Thursday Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili regarding Tbilisi’s support for establishing a mechanism to allocate reparations for Ukraine - the initiative aiming to provide war-affected citizens with the opportunity to receive compensation for damages.

Commenting on Ukrainian media reports that described Georgia’s step as “unexpected”, Papuashvili emphasised the country’s consistent support for the Ukrainian people.

“We have repeatedly stated that, despite the hostile policies pursued by the Ukrainian authorities against the Georgian people, we remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian people. From the very first day of the war, we have done everything necessary to assist the Ukrainian people. In light of the ingratitude displayed by the Ukrainian authorities, and specifically by the President of Ukraine, towards the Georgian people, some may be surprised by Georgia’s backing of such decisions and instruments. However, our measure is not President Zelensky, who pursues openly hostile policies against the Georgian people; our measure is the Ukrainian people, whom we wish to support during this difficult period”, the Speaker said.

He also noted that if required, the Georgian Parliament would work to ratify the document signed yesterday within the necessary timeframes.

“When a state assumes international legal responsibility and obligations through signature, all domestic legal and state procedures naturally follow and are fulfilled”, he continued.

Papuashvili reminded journalists that Georgia has supported several Ukraine-related resolutions, including the creation of a registry to document damages suffered by Ukraine, a move Moldova did not endorse.