Georgian President: Georgia resisted pressure to enter Russia-Ukraine war

Georgia has withstood significant pressure since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, including attempts to draw the country into the conflict, said on Thursday Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Speaking at a briefing after meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Kavelashvili stressed that Georgia chose to defend its national interests and principles.

“Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, we have faced strong pressure. There were attempts to drag Georgia into these processes. We defended our national interest and our principles”, the Georgian President said.

Kavelashvili noted that Georgia has extensive experience dealing with wartime conditions and relations with its northern neighbour, adding that Tbilisi has taken a principled position that prioritises peace.

He expressed confidence that more countries would eventually support this approach, which he said is crucial for regional and global stability.

During his visit to Belgrade, the President also highlighted the shared Christian values of Georgia and Serbia, emphasising the importance of Orthodox Christianity to both nations. He said he would visit a church in Belgrade and meet with the Serbian Patriarch later in the day.

“We have great respect for our faith. I am convinced that those of us who serve our homelands - both Serbs and Georgians - must do everything possible to strengthen relations between our countries, making them closer, more practical, and more active”, he continued.

The two leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, including in agriculture.

According to Kavelashvili, Georgia has strong potential to produce high-quality agricultural products, and closer cooperation could benefit both sides.

The Georgian President also addressed regional developments, noting that tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have eased. He described the South Caucasus as a key region linking East and West and said enhanced connectivity would create new opportunities, including for Balkan countries through the Black Sea corridor.

Kavelashvili expressed confidence that, following the talks in Belgrade, the relevant ministries of both countries would intensify cooperation to further develop bilateral relations.