Georgian Prime Minister criticises Europe and Britain over ongoing Russia trade and double standards toward Georgia

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said that Europe, including the United Kingdom, has not halted trade with Russia, and that this trade significantly funds Russia’s state budget, which in turn supports the war in Ukraine.

Kobakhidze’s comments came in response to questions regarding circumvention of sanctions on Russia with the help of British companies, as well as the possibility of straining relations between the United States and the UK.

"When it comes to Georgia, you can see a different attitude - calls for sanctions and so on. This is, of course, a very blatant double standard. Naturally, it says a lot. In reality, it is clear that there is a distinct interest in Georgia, and because of these different interests, Georgia is being targeted”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze highlighted a disparity in how Georgia is treated compared to other nations. He specifically pointed to Moldova, noting that while Moldova has not imposed sanctions on Russia, it has faced zero criticism from the European Parliament.

“If we take sanctions, Moldova has not imposed any sanctions against Russia, and there is not a single critical statement - not even from one European Parliament member – regarding Moldova. Meanwhile, a resolution was dedicated to us in the European Parliament calling for sanctions, along with numerous other statements. This again shows a double standard and a different interest toward Georgia compared to, for example, Moldova. That is precisely why Georgia is being targeted, and the United Kingdom is also notable for this double standard”, he concluded.