Day: May 5, 2026

EU’s Kallas visits Baku to advance ‘strategic partnership’ with Azerbaijan  Euronews.com

In March this year, a total of 123.2 million manats was transferred to banks in Azerbaijan via fast money transfer systems, covering approximately 238,000 transactions, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA). The number of transactions declined by…

According to pro-government TV channel Rustavi 2, Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG) has detained Giorgi Udzilauri on suspicion of espionage. He is a former head of public relations at Cartu Group, a business group owned by ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.

The channel reports that Udzilauri had until recently headed a department at the Investigative Service of the Finance Ministry and is suspected of spying for a European state.

A Georgian citizen detained for spying for a foreign state; two others wanted

It is not specified which country the alleged espionage was carried out for

What the Stait Security says

According to Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG), the suspect used his current position, as well as previous roles and personal connections across various institutions, to systematically obtain information for a foreign state.

The agency says Udzilauri maintained regular covert contacts with a representative of a foreign intelligence service. Meetings were arranged using encrypted communication channels and held at various locations under pre-agreed conditions. Information was passed both in person and electronically.

The SSG alleges that the material shared included classified information of various types, including details on ongoing political and economic processes in Georgia, the situation within law enforcement and security agencies, and issues related to ethnic and religious minorities.

Investigators also say the suspect worked on creating information platforms aimed at gathering additional data by involving media representatives, including at the regional level.

The SSG adds that Udzilauri carried out these activities for financial gain.

The case is being investigated under Article 314, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of eight to 12 years.

Press secretary to Bidzina Ivanishvili’s holding company

Azerbaijan to host 2026 IsDB gathering amid regional integration push | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

Former Georgian ambassador to the United States David Sikharulidze commented on the meeting between Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Yerevan during the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit.

Sikharulidze said that for Zelensky, as “one of the outstanding leaders of the free world”, it is important that Georgia, as a Black Sea country, is not isolated. He said this is why Zelensky opened the door to dialogue.

The former ambassador added that any deterioration in relations between Georgia and Ukraine would only serve the interests of the Kremlin.

‘I never spoke negatively about Zelensky,’ Georgia’s PM says on relations with Ukraine

The prime minister said Tbilisi was ready to take “all reasonable steps” to restore relations between the two countries.

David Sikharulidze said:

“Of course, this is an assumption, but all indications suggest the meeting was initiated by Volodymyr Zelensky. He is one of the outstanding leaders of the free world. And for him, it is very important that a Black Sea country is not isolated. That is why he once again made a point of keeping the door open for dialogue.

To be honest, I did not see any enthusiasm or willingness in this direction from Irakli Kobakhidze. But this is not surprising, as he does not appear to be a decision-maker. He seems more like an intermediary. I think the broader context matters here. Fundamental changes are taking place across the continent.

Ukraine’s resistance, now in its fifth year, as it defends its homeland, independence and freedom, has enormous potential. In the South Caucasus, there have also been fundamental, even tectonic, shifts. For example, a war that for 30 years served as a tool of Russian manipulation has come to an end. Russia repeatedly used the Karabakh conflict to prevent both Azerbaijan and Armenia from developing.

It is in Georgia’s national interest to maintain good relations with Ukraine. It is also in Georgia’s interest that Ukraine prevails, that Russia is defeated, and that our territories are de-occupied. Any deterioration in relations between Georgia and Ukraine would only serve the interests of the Kremlin.

Personal likes and dislikes must not be placed above national interests. The authorities may dislike certain individuals currently in Ukraine (apparently referring to former senior officials from Georgia’s previous government — JAMnews), but national interests are far more important than the preferences of representatives of the Georgian Dream party.

It is unthinkable for this to become the main driver of policy. Criticism of Ukraine from Georgia can only benefit Russia. There is no other country or force in the world for which this would be beneficial, including Georgia itself.

For Georgia, good relations with Ukraine, Ukraine’s success and Russia’s defeat are of vital importance.”

Why supporting Ukraine in the war is necessary. Commentary

Iconic Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek shared his views with the BBC’s Ukrainian service on peace negotiations with Russia, nuclear weapons for Ukraine, and on ‘canceling’ Russian culture.

Ex-envoy on Georgia–Ukraine ties