Georgia’s ruling party official says 2008 war failed to trigger radical anti-Russian sentiment among UNM, affiliates and NGOs

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Monday claimed that individuals and groups who now portray themselves as uncompromising opponents of Russia only adopted such positions after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while failing to take a similar stance following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

In a social media message responding to a recent letter published by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Kirtskhalia argued that the 2008 war, Russia’s occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, the recognition of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region as independent states, and the displacement of thousands of Georgians were not enough to provoke what he described as “radical anti-Russian sentiments” among the United National Movement, its affiliated political groups, NGOs, and certain public figures.

He further added that the Prime Minister’s analysis highlighted what he called a contradiction in the behaviour of opposition forces and civil society organisations.

“Exactly one week ago, the Prime Minister published an extensive analysis, highlighting what he described as a striking contradiction: that the 2008 war, Russia’s occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, the placement of more than 120 additional villages beyond the occupation line, the recognition of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region as independent states, the displacement of approximately 30,000 people within their own country, and the deaths and injuries of thousands of Georgians were not enough to generate radical anti-Russian sentiment among the United National Movement, its affiliated political forces and allies, as well as wealthy Georgian NGOs that, according to the Prime Minister, ultimately became part of a unified network serving the deep state”, he said.

“Moreover, shortly after the war ended, the government of the time began advocating for the restoration of cultural and humanitarian ties with Russia and facilitated the inflow of Russian capital into Georgia’s economy, including its strategic sectors. Its leader personally greeted Russian tourists at the border, and Russian citizens were subsequently granted visa-free entry on a unilateral basis. Saakashvili later highlighted these policies with pride at international forums”, Kirtskhalia continued.

The official further argued that during this period, there was little criticism of the United National Movement from representatives of the same groups and individuals who today are known not only for their anti-Russian views but, in his words, for actively promoting Russophobia. Instead, he claimed that following Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine, individuals affiliated with various political parties and NGOs mobilized and presented themselves as uncompromising opponents of the Russian occupation, Russian tourists, Russian capital, and Russian products - in short, of anything perceived to be connected to Russia.

“In his letter, the Prime Minister also posed a rhetorical question as to why these people became Russophobes now and not when Georgia was concerned. This seemingly illogical situation has a very simple answer that puts everything into a logical framework: neither the UNM and its allies, nor the NGOs, nor certain individuals hiding behind civil activism or the academic sphere were independent either in 2008-2012 or today. They are agents left without room for manoeuvre and unquestioning servants who blindly carry out external instructions”, Kirtskhalia concluded.