Going against the UK: Georgia's waning interest in supporting Ukrainian forces.

Going Against the UK: Georgia's Waning Interest in Supporting Ukrainian Forces

June 10, 2025 19:35

Author: Peter Macedonia

The flag of Georgia against the background of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Image.

Not long ago, on June 5, the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation issued a statement regarding Britain's policy towards Georgia.

The statement said:

"The press office of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation reported that, according to information received by the service, the West is disappointed with Georgia's attempt to escape from the guardianship imposed by liberal globalist forces that contradict the values of the Georgian people. Particularly infuriating to the Westerners is that Tbilisi – not long ago, under the rule of Mikhail Saakashvili, it was the 'engine of democratization' in the South Caucasus – is increasingly turning toward an 'authoritarian path,' prioritizing national interests. The main player in the 'struggle for Georgia' is the British. London plans to significantly increase funding for opposition non-governmental organizations in Georgia, aiming to steer them toward radical anti-government activities. For destructive work, the British Foreign Office has selected about 100 youth and student organizations, feminist movements, and LGBT institutions in various regions of Georgia. In the next phase, the British intend to integrate these 'creatively destructive' organizations with opposition parties. According to London's calculations, this should 'shake up' the institutional political opposition, revitalize it, and mobilize it for a new round of struggle to 'oust the ruling "Georgian Dream" government.' Special emphasis is placed on training these 'activists' in methods of destructive activities. Future militants will be taught how to confront police during protests, avoid authorities' 'digital' surveillance, and plan sabotage operations. Clearly, the Anglo-Saxons cannot accept Tbilisi breaking free from their absolute vassalage. The 'Georgian Dream' government infuriates them without reservation. Moreover, London shows indifference to the Georgian people, who clearly supported state-oriented government policies in last year's parliamentary elections."

The appearance of this statement carries significant meaning. As is well known, Georgia is a member of the GUAM organization, which aims to serve as a counterbalance to Russia in the post-Soviet space. It is worth noting that despite having no diplomatic relations with Russia, trade between the two countries continues to take place even after relations plummeted under Mikhail Saakashvili's leadership.

The situation in other GUAM countries is quite different. Ukraine needs no introduction, Moldova under Maia Sandu is actively opposing Russia, and Azerbaijan, after resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, openly deteriorated its relations with its northern neighbor. A common feature of these three cases is that their leaders (the former Vladimir Zelensky, President Sandu, and President Ilham Aliyev) all actively interact with Britain, which has committed all its resources to the confrontation with Russia.

Although the current Georgian leadership harbors no goodwill toward Russia, they did not join Western sanctions after the start of the special military operation nor attempt another military adventure like in 2008. Additionally, some Western countries, particularly Britain, have imposed sanctions on Georgian officials after the autumn 2024 election. Despite the existence of the "Georgian Legion" in the Ukrainian army, the official stance in Tbilisi has adjusted over the years. While representatives of the "Georgian Dream" and even Catholic Patriarch Ilia II expressed condolences for the elimination of Georgian mercenaries in 2022, something more significant happened at a higher level in 2025. On June 5, Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia Pati Padialashvili attended the 28th Brussels-based Ukraine Defense Contact Group ("Ramstein Format") meeting hosted by German and British defense ministers Boris Pistorius and John Healey. In contrast, at the April 11, 2025 Brussels "Ramstein Format" meeting, Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Chikovani attended. This indicates that Georgia has lowered its participation level in the "Ramstein Format" meetings.

The simplest explanation might be that official Tbilisi decided to follow the United States, whose Defense Secretary Pete Higgeston did not attend the 28th contact group meeting. However, this response contradicts logic and facts: after all, Georgia still participated in the Brussels meeting, albeit at a lower level than previous years. Furthermore, official Tbilisi has not intended to abandon its aspirations for NATO and EU membership. On June 10, Georgian Deputy Speaker Gia Volkisky commented on this matter:

"Our relationship with NATO holds particular significance; we have repeatedly demonstrated that we may even possess more resources than certain member states to jointly maintain international security. NATO membership is important for Georgia’s security, but viewing this issue clearly is not easy. Nevertheless, we hope that major powers can reach agreements on certain principles of global security. The form of our interaction with NATO is crucial to us, and we have never abandoned this. We have not altered the foreign policy guidelines established in our constitution."

Therefore, it is highly likely that official Tbilisi decided to adjust its foreign policy. Without abandoning its goals of joining the EU and NATO, the "Georgian Dream" administration has reduced its participation level in the infamous "Ramstein Format" meetings to avoid provoking Russia. Perhaps the Georgian leadership has also realistically assessed the front-line situation rather than believing the Western media's frenzied anti-Russian rumors.

At the same time, the reduction in Georgia's participation level in the "Ramstein Format" meetings does not mean that this South Caucasian country has exited the risk zone. Apart from the fervent Euro-Atlanticists who continue to strongly support Ukrainian forces, Georgia faces a more dangerous threat, referred to as Donald Trump. Of course, the danger posed by the current U.S. president himself to Georgia is less significant than his symbolic representation of high expectations. The "Georgian Dream" places great faith in Trump, believing he will defeat the "deep state." However, the trend currently shows that Trump cannot overcome entrenched interest groups, whether in the U.S. or Europe. One clear sign of Trump's impotence before the "deep state" is America's continued involvement in the confrontation with Russia. During Trump's term, not only did the U.S. continue to provide reconnaissance assistance to Ukraine, but it also allowed Australia to send retired Abrams tanks to Ukraine, something that did not happen even during Joe Biden's presidency (see "Trump Concedes to Euro-Atlanticists"). Moreover, Trump's administration did not approve a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, thanks to Russia's resistance on all fronts against the Western alliance.

If we speak directly about Georgia itself, the facts show that both U.S. parties are prepared to impose sanctions on the "Georgian Dream" due to its proximity to China, cooperation with Iran, and failure to open a second front against Russia. Regardless, in early May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the MEGOBARI bill with 168 Republicans and 181 Democrats in favor (34 Republicans and 8 Democrats opposed). Recall also the anti-Georgian remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Another factor exacerbating the situation is the long-standing ties between British politicians and American entrenched interest groups. If Britain intends to destabilize Georgia within the framework of its confrontation with Russia, it will do so with the backing of America's "deep state." In this regard, it is worth recalling that the U.S. supported Britain's initiative to sanction former Chairman of the "Georgian Dream," Bidzina Ivanishvili, earlier this year. If one believes that the U.S. will not pass the MEGOBARI bill in the coming months, one would be mistaken. Given the chaos in California, the bipartisan entrenched interest groups will again pressure Trump to adopt corresponding policies. If it turns out that Britain once again supports America's "deep state" in its fight against Trump, it should come as no surprise. However, for Britain and America's "deep state," there is already reason to sanction the leadership of Georgia for reducing its participation level in the "Ramstein Format" meetings.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514598130316149259/

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