“No words can describe the pictures we have seen from Bucha, Irpin, Kramatorsk. These are stories told, the entire world knows about these atrocities. But there are many more Ukrainian cities with the same destiny, many more stories yet untold. Russia must end this war, respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders, and honor the choice of Ukrainians,” Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili stated at a joint briefing after meeting with the Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna, Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The Speaker of the Parliament thanked his Ukrainian counterpart for the hospitality and reiterated Georgia’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“It is my honor to be in heroic Kyiv. I would like to express gratitude personally to my colleague Ruslan Stefanchuk for hosting Georgia’s parliamentary delegation in the Verkhovna Rada despite the ongoing war and daily bombardments.
“We visit our friends in brotherly Ukraine to demonstrate our firm and united support for Ukraine. We could not have done otherwise, as our nations are very close to each other. Our culture, history, and friendship are what define, strengthen and unite us. This is something that both our nations cherish. Therefore, we, Georgians, came united to convey our condolences to the families of the perished, to share the pain of those suffering, and stand beside the Ukrainian nation,” Papuashvili stated.
As the Speaker noted, what is happening in Ukraine today is not unknown to Georgian citizens, because they have experienced it for years.
“Looking at these photos, we, Georgians, have memories of our own Buchas and Irpins in the currently occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions from the wars of the 1990s and 2008 with Russia. We have experienced this as well. Our cities and hopes were also bombed and shattered. So, we, Georgians, very well understand your sorrow.
“But fellow Ukrainians, as much as this is painful, we see your heroic resistance, braveness, unbroken hearts, and determination. This sacrifice will forever be given as an example of virtue and boldness to our future generations.
“This challenge is temporary. Peace will come soon in your beautiful country because truth and kindness are on your side,” Papuashvili said.
