Day: May 28, 2025
US intelligence report on Russia in South Caucasus
Moscow is almost certainly seeking to bring Georgia back into its sphere of influence and has already made progress through internal political developments in the country, according to the annual report of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), presented to Congress.
According to DIA analysts, following the parliamentary elections of October 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party created favourable conditions for the growth of Russian influence. This conclusion comes against the backdrop of ongoing mass protests in Tbilisi and accusations that the country is drifting away from its path toward European integration.
Notably, the report makes almost no mention of Azerbaijan, while Armenia features prominently as an example of deteriorating ties with Moscow. According to the DIA, Russian-Armenian relations “worsened over the past year,” particularly after Armenia announced its potential withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), prompting Russia to launch an information campaign against Armenia’s democratic path and pro-Western leadership.
Thus, against the broader trend of increased Russian activity across the post-Soviet space, the South Caucasus presents a mixed picture: Georgia is on a trajectory of “soft annexation of influence,” Armenia is on the verge of a geopolitical shift, and Azerbaijan is absent from the report altogether — which could indicate either stability or a lack of transparency in the country’s current developments.
The Annual Threat Assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is one of the key yearly documents produced by the American intelligence community and submitted to the U.S. Congress. It outlines the DIA’s assessment of the most pressing and long-term threats to U.S. national security, including military, cyber, nuclear, and geopolitical challenges.
Compiled using intelligence from over 140 countries, the report serves not only as a tool for internal strategic planning, but also as a signal to allies and adversaries regarding the Pentagon’s priorities and concerns. Its contents influence budget allocation, foreign policy decisions, and U.S. defence initiatives.
Gela Geladze was appointed Georgian Dream’s Interior Minister, succeeding Vakhtang Gomelauri, who resigned this morning. GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze introduced Geladze at a briefing around two hours after Gomelauri’s resignation on May 28.
Geladze is a lawyer who has worked for years in the Georgian Ministries of the Interior, Education, and Justice, as well as the Prosecutor’s Office and the Probation Agency. Since April 2025, he has served as one of the deputies of the newly appointed State Security Service Chief, Anri Okhanashvili.
Under the Georgian Dream government, Geladze served as Deputy Education Minister (2023–2024), Head of the Human Resources Service at the Education Ministry (2018–2023), Head of the Central Criminal Police Department at the Interior Ministry (2016–2018), and Deputy Head of the National Probation Agency (2012–2016).
Under the previous United National Movement government, he worked in the private sector as Director of LLC Elizi Group, a tobacco import and distribution company (2008–2010). He also served as Adviser to the General Inspection at the Justice Ministry (2007–2008), adviser in the Probation Department (2007), and Deputy Head of the Criminal Police Department Unit at the Interior Ministry (2005–2006). Before that, he held posts as a supervisor and investigator at the ministry.
Kobakhidze wished success to the new head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: “I am sure that under his leadership, the ministry will continue to advance, and develop and care for the interests of each policeman. I am sure that the Ministry of Internal Affairs system will be further strengthened.”
Geladze thanked Kobakhidze and the Georgian Dream team for their confidence. He also noted that Gomelauri had “a very important role and contribution” in reforming the Interior Ministry. “It is a great honor for me to lead this ministry and serve our country alongside honourable police officers – the employees of the Interior Ministry,” he said.
Kobakhidze thanked the resigned GD Minister, Gomelauri, and claimed that Gomelauri had decided to step down on his own. Kobakhidze added, “It was heartbreaking for all of us – me and the team – but we respected his decision.” He also noted, “Over the past four years, Mr. Vakhtang Gomelauri has made a significant contribution in preventing four attempted revolutions.”
Gomelauri, sanctioned by several Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the Baltic states, has been one of Georgian Dream’s longest-serving officials, holding senior positions over the past decade, including Interior Minister, head of the State Security Service, and Vice Prime Minister.
Also Read:
- 07/05/2025 – Kobakhidze Named New Chair of Georgian Dream, Presents Updated GD Political Council
- 25/04/2025 – GD Chairman Garibashvili Quits Politics, Stresses Loyalty to Ivanishvili
- 24/04/2025 – Kobakhidze Appoints New GD Infrastructure Minister
- 10/04/2025 – Consolidating Autocracy? GD Reshuffle Leaves Experts Guessing
- 04/04/2025 – GD Drops Security Chief Liluashvili as Minister Pick
- 02/04/2025 – GD Cabinet Reshuffled