Flags on government buildings have been lowered to half-mast, as Georgia commemorates the 105th anniversary of the Russian army’s capture of Tbilisi on February 25, 1921, a date that marked a milestone in the Soviet occupation ending of the brief independence of the First Republic of Georgia (1918-1921).
The occupation came despite Russia’s formal recognition of Georgia’s sovereignty just nine months earlier, in May 1920, and its de jure recognition by the Entente powers on January 27, 1921. Notably, Georgia had adopted its first Constitution only days before, on February 21, 1921.
The Soviet occupation of Georgia lasted until April 9, 1991, when the country regained independence. The First Republic’s three years of independence laid the foundation for modern Georgian statehood following the collapse of the Soviet Union. February 25 has been officially observed since 2010 as a sombre reminder of the Soviet occupation and the country’s wider efforts to maintain sovereignty.
The ruling Georgian Dream party members, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and disputed Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, laid a wreath at the Cadet memorial in Kojori.
“We pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the occupation of Georgia in 1921,” Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters. “They fought bravely and left us a true example of heroism. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice, and this day reminds us how important it is to continue striving and working to defend our sovereignty and independence.”
“Independence is not something granted once and left to exist on its own. Independence requires protection,” Shalva Papuashvili told reporters. “Just as it needed protection 105 years ago, it needs protection today – perhaps even more so, because the tools used to undermine it are now broader,” Papuashvili added. According to him, “Today, words, propaganda, and hybrid methods are also used against Georgia’s independence.”
Papuashvili then lashed out at those he said “bear Georgian names but carry out the interests of foreign powers in the country,” claiming they “seek to subordinate Georgia to the agendas and interests of others.”
The Western countries’ embassies also marked the date in social media posts.
The U.S. Embassy said, “On this tragic day, we remember the Red Army’s invasion of Georgia and pay tribute to the brave Georgian people who, despite immense losses and 70 years of repression, never gave up the fight for freedom.”
The European Union Delegation wrote on X, “Today we remember tragic occupation of the Democratic Republic of Georgia by Soviet Russia. Soviet rule interrupted but could not erase Georgians’ aspiration for a free and democratic state,” reiterating the EU’s support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
More to follow…
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