Zelenskyy holds talks with sanctioned Georgian PM at summit in Yerevan
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Irakli Kobakhidze (https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
First meeting on an international platform
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during the summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan. The talks marked the first direct contact between the leaders in this format.
In his statement, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has traditionally respected Georgia, its statehood, and its people, and supports the development of constructive relations.
"There are indeed unresolved issues between our countries. It is important to maintain dialogue at all levels. Ukraine has always respected and continues to respect Georgia, its sovereignty, and its people. We will continue to advance our cooperation," he said.
It should be noted that relations between Ukraine and Georgia are quite complex, as the Georgian government is seen as supporting Russia’s policy against Ukraine and helping Russia circumvent sanctions.
It is also worth noting that Georgia is holding its former president, Mikheil Saakashvili, in prison. He received Ukrainian citizenship on May 30, 2015, by decree of then-President Petro Poroshenko.
Irakli Kobakhidze’s policy toward Ukraine and reasons for sanctions
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, often described as pro-Russian, has criticized Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity. According to observers, this rhetoric largely aligns with public statements by the Russian leadership.
Later, Kobakhidze used images of destruction in Ukraine in the election campaign advertising of his party, Georgian Dream. Commenting on this on Georgian television, he claimed this allegedly helped "reveal the truth" about Ukraine.
In November 2025, protests continued in Georgia following parliamentary elections. Mass demonstrations began after Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that the country would not open EU accession talks until the end of 2028.
Later, during anti-government protests and their dispersal by security forces, Kobakhidze thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs for the "well-executed job" after the crackdown on demonstrators in Tbilisi. He also stated that law enforcement actions were, in his assessment, more effective than similar measures in the United States and Europe.
Following the dispersal of protests in Georgia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on December 5, 2024, imposing sanctions on Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
