Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his associates—19 individuals “who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people”, Ukraine’s President Volodymir Zelenskyy said. He urged Europe, America, and the entire world to do the same— “to act decisively and with principle.”
In his vide address, which announces the sanctions, the Ukrainian President said: “We cannot afford to lose anyone in this region—not Georgia, not Moldova, not Ukraine. We must stand together to defend against Moscow.”
He said he has just signed a decree enforcing the relevant National Security and Defense Council decision, noting that the sanctions target the segment of Georgia’s current government “which is handing the country over to Putin.”
He stressed that “this is exactly what the ongoing protests in Georgia are about.”
He also emphasized the urgency for “our partners to speak up now, to take a clear stance on what’s happening—and to act” warning that “if you fail to respond in time or act without principle, the consequences can last for decades, leaving countries stripped of their freedom.”
The political processes in Georgia, including the democratic backsliding, contested elections, the stopping of the EU accession negotiation process and the violent dispersals of peaceful protesters by the police, have caused a critical reaction from Georgia’s Western partners. on December 2 Baltic states announced sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and several high-ranking MIA officials. On November 30 the United States suspended the strategic partnership with Georgia. On December 4 the U.S. State Secretary Anthony Blinken said the US is prepared to take further actions, including additional sanctions, to ensure those responsible face full accountability for their unlawful actions.
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