Georgian Parliament official says Tbilisi remains ready to reset ties with Ukraine, urges Kyiv to take first step

Mariam Lashkhi, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s education, science, and youth affairs committee, on Tuesday said that while the Georgian government remains open to a “reset” in relations with Ukraine, the onus is on Kyiv to take the first step.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Lashkhi highlighted a perceived disconnect between Georgia’s support for Ukraine and the rhetoric coming from Ukrainian officials.

“Let us recall one of the first resolutions drafted within the walls of Parliament even before the war began. It was initiated by the foreign relations committee and called on the international community to prevent the war”, she said.

“Despite all these steps, we saw statements from the Ukrainian side that could be described as ungrateful. They also called on us to ‘take a walk’, including in the occupied territories, and to bring this war onto our side. It is precisely such statements that should be morally criticised”, Lashkhi continued.

The official emphasised that the Georgian Government was ready to reset relations, adding that “if anyone should take the first step, I think it should be Ukraine”.