Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker welcomes Ukraine’s new Ambassador, expresses hope for pragmatic relations

Nino Tsilosani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday commented on the appointment of Ukraine’s new Ambassador to Georgia, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had shifted his policy and expressing hope that the new Ambassador would act reasonably in ways that benefit both Ukraine and Georgia.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Tsilosani stressed that Ukraine faced serious challenges in the ongoing war, including allegations of corruption and pressure from European leaders, making Zelenskyy’s current position complex and weakened.

“Ukraine is in an extremely difficult situation. We see that he [Zelenskyy] is often reminded - by European leaders and high-ranking officials - that he is losing the war. The funds allocated for sustaining this war are part of a large corrupt scheme. Against this backdrop, and considering that the US now directly favours ending the war and establishing peace, Zelenskyy’s position is significantly weakened. His meeting with the US President was extremely difficult to witness”, she said.

“Although we don’t remember anything good from him or his Government, I genuinely feel sorry for how he will be remembered in the history of his country - what he has done to Ukraine and what awaits Ukraine in the future. The consequences of his actions, even if not immediately visible, will be felt for decades and throughout history. He is in an extremely difficult and complex situation”, Tsilosani continued.

The Vice Speaker further noted that although Zelenskyy previously recalled the Ambassador from Georgia without clear justification, the Georgian Dream Government has remained committed to unilateral friendship and partnership.

“However, the step he has taken now with the ambassador’s appointment seems rather inconsistent with his previous statements, especially considering that he previously recalled the ambassador from Georgia without any justified reason. The only thing we can say is that we have consistently maintained a regime of friendship and partnership. Nothing has changed on our side”, she said.

“It is a fact that he has changed certain policies. For us, an Ambassador is an important factor in maintaining relations with a country. At the same time, we sincerely support the end of the war in Ukraine. Hopefully, this person will act reasonably toward his country, and this reasonableness will also be very beneficial for Georgia. Given the large-scale military conflicts ongoing in the region, we are constantly at risk, and we try to protect ourselves so that this country does not become engulfed in flames”, she concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree appointing a new Ambassador of Ukraine to Georgia.

The decision was published on Monday on the official website of the President of Ukraine.