Georgian Parliament Speaker marks 4th anniversary of war in Ukraine, calls for lasting peace

On the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili issued a statement on social media, reflecting on the prolonged nature of the conflict and its devastating impact on the region.

Papuashvili noted that the duration of the Russia-Ukraine war has now surpassed that of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), drawing parallels between the scale of destruction and human suffering seen then and now.

“Today marks four years since the start of the Russia–Ukraine war. In its duration, this war has already surpassed the Great Patriotic War, and in terms of destruction and human pain, it is no different. The front line remains where it was 80 years ago, and Georgia feels its weight just as heavily as it did in the 1940s”, the speaker said.

While echoing the sentiment of the US President that this is a war “that should never have started”, the speaker warned that certain forces still benefit from the continuation of the hostilities. He emphasised that in the clash of interests between great powers, the heaviest price is paid by the people whose land becomes the battlefield.

“Indeed, as the president of the United States says today, this is a war that should never have started. However, we still see forces that need and benefit from its continuation. When great powers’ interests clash, the heaviest price is paid by the country and the people whose land becomes a battlefield”, he continued.

Papuashvili further stressed that this war must end as soon as possible.

“Peace must prevail. The Ukrainian state must survive. A new security architecture must be based on respect for sovereignty and national identity. From the very first day of the war, Georgia had precisely this vision and spirit. In an extremely difficult environment, we pursued a policy of peace, while those eager for war sought to drag Georgia into the ring of fire - through external pressure and internal destabilisation. Nevertheless, we firmly defended our national interests four years ago and continue to defend them today”, the speaker continued.

He further highlighted that today, as the region once again faced the threat of new confrontations, “resilience, unity, and the protection of a sovereign choice” were for Georgia not only political, but a historical necessity.

“Unfortunately, war remains close and continues to threaten thousands of lives. A formula for peace has still not been found. We pray for peace and for the Ukrainian people. We wish them strength and the achievement of lasting peace”, Papuashvili concluded.