Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Mikhail Galuzin, stated that Moscow is open to restoring diplomatic relations with Georgia, asserting that “there are no restrictions on our part” and that the initiative depends on Tbilisi’s readiness. He emphasized the strong trade ties—citing wine, fruit, energy resources, and grain—as well as what he described as shared history, religion, and cultural connections.
In response, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili made clear that the main obstacle remains unresolved. “The only obstacle to restoring relations between Georgia and Russia is Russia’s occupation of Georgian territories,” he said. Papuashvili claimed that the issue could be resolved easily if Russia takes concrete steps toward de-occupation, after which the normalization of relations would be possible.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Georgia were severed in August 2008, following the Russo-Georgian War over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
After the five-day war, Russia officially recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, which prompted Georgia to cut diplomatic ties with Moscow on August 29, 2008. Since then, the two countries have had no formal diplomatic relations, though trade and informal contacts have continued.
Currently, 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory is under Russian military occupation. Russia does not allow the EUMM monitors to enter South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in violation of the Six Point Ceasefire Agreement.
