Zelenskyy signs decree imposing sanctions on Georgian authorities
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (t me V_Zelenskiy_official)
On December 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on the Georgian government. This was in response to recent events in the country, the official President's Telegram channel reports.
"I have just signed a decree that gives effect to the National Security and Defense Council's decision on sanctions. These sanctions target the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin. This is the very issue that is fueling the protests in Georgia right now.," Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of international partners taking a clear stance on the situation.
"Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his accomplices – 19 individuals. They are the ones who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people. And we call on Europe, America, and everyone in the world to do the same – to act with principle," Zelenskyy added.
The decree on sanctions against the Georgian authorities was published on the President's website on December 5 (president.gov.ua)
Who is on sanctions list
According to the decree, the following individuals have been included in Ukraine's sanctions list:
- Bidzina Ivanishvili – Former Prime Minister of Georgia.
- Grigol Liluashvili – Member of the Georgian Parliament.
- Kakha Kaladze – Georgian politician, former footballer, and defender for FС Dynamo Kyiv, Italy's AC Milan, and the Georgian national football team. Mayor of Tbilisi since November 13, 2017.
- Mikheil Chinchaladze – Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals.
- Mamuka Mdinaradze – Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream party.
- Vakhtang Gomelauri – Georgian politician who has served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of the Georgian State Security Service since September 2019.
- Otar Partskhaladze – Former Prosecutor General of Georgia, under US sanctions.
- Irakli Rukhadze – Owner of the TV company Imedi.
- Levan Murusidze – Judge and member of the Georgian High Council of Justice.
- Victor Japaridze – Member of Parliament from the Georgian Dream party.
- Dimitri Samkharadze – Member of Parliament from the Georgian Dream party.
- Giorgi Khaindrava – Former Minister.
- Irakli Kobakhidze – Pro-Russian Georgian politician, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament from November 18, 2016, to June 21, 2019, Prime Minister of Georgia since February 8, 2024, Member of Parliament since 2016, and Leader of the Georgian Dream party since January 11, 2021.
Additional individuals include:
- Giorgi Kobakhidze;
- Zviad Shalamberidze;
- Shalva Tadumadze;
- Tea Tsulukiani;
- Irakli Karseladze;
- Kakha Bekauri.
The sanctions are set to remain in effect for 10 years.
Situation in Georgia
Protests in Georgia have been ongoing for a week, driven by frustration over stalled European integration. The demonstrations began on November 28, when Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would not initiate negotiations to join the EU until the end of 2028.
In addition, the Georgian government rejected any EU budgetary subsidies, which further fueled public discontent. Protests have erupted in Tbilisi and other cities, with law enforcement using water cannons and force to disperse demonstrators.
Yesterday, President Zelenskyy responded to the events in Georgia, revealing Ukraine's intent to impose sanctions.
