The European Union leadership has demanded that Georgia suspend air communication with Russia, citing the need for alignment with international sanctions.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth Department for CIS countries at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared these details in an interview with TASS. According to Kalugin, Brussels is pressuring Tbilisi to join the EU's sanctions regime against Russia, implement an energy embargo, and sever transport links, including aviation.
Kalugin further noted that the European Union is seeking a tougher stance from Georgia regarding its relations with Moscow, and political pressure in this direction continues. This development follows a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 10, 2023, to lift a ban on Russian airlines flying to Georgia, which had been in place since June 2019. Additionally, a visa-free regime for Georgian citizens traveling to Russia was restored at that time.
The current situation highlights the diplomatic challenge facing Georgia as it attempts to balance its European integration aspirations with regional realities. The EU has consistently maintained that candidate countries and those seeking closer ties must align their foreign and security policies with Brussels, particularly concerning the restrictive measures imposed on Russia. Analysts suggest that Tbilisi's efforts to maintain economic ties with Moscow while pursuing a course toward the EU are increasing political tensions within the region.
