Georgia and Russia have always had a complicated relationship, especially since Putin’s actions in Ukraine. In 2003, Georgia was the first country to overthrow the remnants of the Soviet Union through a revolution, followed by Ukraine a year later. This sparked concern in Russia, leading to increased repression and expansion policies.
In 2008, Russian troops invaded Georgia, starting a five-day war over the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Despite officially being a candidate for EU membership, Georgia remains economically dependent on Russia. The country relies on Russia for over 90% of its wheat and considers Russia a significant export market. The fear of another Russian attack has not faded since 2008, as Georgia lacks geographical advantages for defense.
The recent NGO law in Georgia may be an attempt to appease Moscow and avoid being targeted. The Georgian leadership seems to believe that Russia’s increasing involvement in neighboring countries, especially Ukraine, could lead to a similar fate for Georgia. The “Georgian Dream” party, behind the law, has faced criticism for its close ties to Russia and oligarchs.
Although the EU threatens to freeze Georgia’s accession process if the law passes, this could benefit the government and delay necessary reforms. However, the population overwhelmingly supports EU membership and sees Russia as an aggressor. This puts Brussels in a difficult position and plays into Putin’s hands.
The relationship between Georgia and Russia remains complex due to historical tensions and political differences. While both countries have different goals and interests, it is important for them to find common ground in order to maintain stability in the region.
In recent years, there have been efforts made by both countries to improve their relationship. For example, during his visit to Tbilisi in 2019, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev met with Georgian President Salomea Zoladze-Tolomaashvili to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between their countries.
Despite these efforts
