Ukraine responds to Georgia's claims of 'Maidan scenario'

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly condemns the ongoing human rights violations and the use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Georgia.

"Violence will not remain without consequences. The Georgian authorities must respect the fundamental right of their citizens to peaceful protest. Particularly, when the protests are driven by the government's decision to halt Georgia's progress towards EU membership, contrary to the European aspirations of the Georgian people," the statement says.

The Ministry recalled that infamous Ukrainian politicians also tried to assure that they were "pausing" rather than abandoning the country's European integration, as is now being said in Georgia.

Ukraine's Ministry also rejected attempts by the Georgian authorities to involve Ukraine in their country's internal political processes. This refers to statements by the Georgian Prime Minister about supposedly preventing the "Ukrainian Maidan scenario.

"The Georgian government should stop intimidating its people with the myth of so-called 'Ukrainian scenario' while simultaneously implementing a 'Belarusian scenario' in practice. Ukraine has been and remains committed to democratic transformation in Georgia and its further European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which meets the interests of the Georgian people," Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

Furthermore, Ukraine's Ministry expressed solidarity with Georgian diplomats who publicly opposed the Georgian government's decision to withdraw EU accession negotiations from the agenda.

"We are convinced that European integration is the key to stability, prosperity, and strengthening of democratic institutions in Georgia, and we strive for a successful future for our people in the great European family. Our solidarity with the Georgian people remains unwavering," the statement says.

Protests in Georgia

On November 28, a new wave of protests began in Georgia after the government announced the alleged suspension of the country's European integration.

Protests are ongoing in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities. Security forces are attempting to disperse the protests using water cannons and tear gas, as well as detaining participants.

On the morning of December 2, one of the leaders of the opposition party "Coalition for Change," Zurab Japaridze, and several journalists were detained in Tbilisi. Meanwhile, the Georgian Prime Minister thanked the security forces for dispersing the protests.

The Head of the Georgian government also stated amid the protests that there would be no "Ukrainian Maidan scenario" in the country.