2008. Georgia. Russo-Georgian Relations (Part 8).
“Flag map Georgia-NATO” under public domain by Giorgi Balakhadze.
Russo-Georgian relations have been marked by conflict and tension in recent years. In 2008, Russia invaded Georgia and has since continued to occupy two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The 14th anniversary of the invasion was marked by a statement from the U.S. Department of State, condemning Russia's actions and reaffirming the U.S.'s support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Many Georgians continue to hold anger towards Russia for the invasion, as well as for ongoing attempts to influence Georgian politics and society. This has been particularly evident in recent months as Russia has restricted access to Georgia and increased its military presence near the Georgian border as part of its actions in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Many Russians have fled to Georgia to avoid being conscripted into the war, but their presence has not been met with enthusiasm by all Georgians, some of whom view them with suspicion.
The tension between the two countries has also played out in Georgia's political arena, with recent protests against a proposed law that would have classified certain NGOs as "foreign agents." The law was seen as Russia-inspired, and the protests were seen as an attempt to push back against Russian influence in Georgian politics.
Despite this tension, Georgia continues to seek closer ties with the West, with Germany recently backing its bid for EU membership. The U.S. has also committed to providing military assistance to Georgia. However, some worry that Georgia's position between the West and Russia could make it the next target for Russian aggression, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
In conclusion, Russo-Georgian relations continue to be marked by tension and conflict, with Russia's actions in Ukraine only adding to the unease. While Georgia continues to seek closer ties with the West, it must navigate its relationship with Russia carefully to avoid further escalation.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on March 31, 2023
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Sources for 2008. Georgia. Russo-Georgian Relations (Part 8):
Anniversary of the Russian Invasion of Georgia - U.S. Department of State August 7, 2022
Russians flock to Georgia, again, as Putin escalates war - Al Jazeera September 27, 2022
Russia restricts access to Georgia amid call-up - DW September 28, 2022
From Russia With Cash: Georgia Booms as Russians Flee Putin's War - VOA News November 5, 2022
Georgia is drifting into the Kremlin’s orbit - The Economist January 31, 2023
Georgia Wants Russia to Leave Its Land in a Ukraine Peace Deal - Bloomberg February 1, 2023
Georgia Scheduled for More U.S. Military Assistance - U.S. Department of Defense February 9, 2023
Make Russia Pay - Foreign Affairs February 10, 2023
A year into the war, Russians in Georgia are viewed with suspicion - Reuters February 16, 2023
How Russian Journalists in Exile Are Covering the War in Ukraine - The New Yorker March 6, 2023
Massive pro-EU, anti-Russia protest erupts in Georgia - POLITICO March 8, 2023
Caught between the West and Russia, could Georgia be the next Ukraine? - CNN March 8, 2023
Georgia withdraws Russia-inspired bill after violent protests - Financial Times March 9, 2023
Why did protesters in Georgia oppose the ‘Russian law’ bill? - The Guardian March 9, 2023
Georgia Is a New Front in Russia’s Hybrid War - The Washington Post March 9, 2023