Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Western countries of attempting to distance Georgia from Russia and said the current Georgian leadership is pursuing a pragmatic approach in balancing relations with both the European Union and Moscow.
Speaking in an interview with Russian media, Lavrov argued that the West has long sought to weaken Russia by reducing cooperation between Moscow and its neighboring countries.
Referring to Georgia, Lavrov claimed there had been “a completely obvious and open attempt” by the United States and its allies to pull the country away from Russia. He pointed to the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, where allies declared that Georgia and Ukraine would eventually become NATO members, arguing that the decision encouraged then-President Mikheil Saakashvili to launch military actions in South Ossetia.
Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s position that Georgia initiated the August 2008 war and said a European Union fact-finding commission had concluded that Tbilisi started the conflict. He criticized those who continue to describe Russia’s presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as an occupation, claiming European governments ignore the circumstances that led to the war.
The Russian foreign minister also commented on Georgia’s European aspirations, describing the current Georgian authorities as “pragmatists.” Lavrov claimed that while the Georgian government continues to support integration with the European Union, it also understands the potential economic consequences of EU membership.
Lavrov argued that countries with strong agricultural sectors that joined the EU during previous rounds of enlargement faced difficulties competing within the bloc. He claimed that a significant portion of Georgia’s trade is linked to Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and suggested that EU membership could put those economic ties at risk.
“Currently, 70% of Georgia’s trade turnover comes from Russia and other CIS countries,” Lavrov said, adding that closer integration with the European Union would require Georgia to align with Brussels’ foreign policy decisions, including sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Lavrov noted that relations between Russia and Georgia continue in a number of areas, highlighting tourism and people-to-people contacts. He said Russian tourists continue to visit Georgia and praised the country’s natural attractions and hospitality.
Georgia and Russia do not maintain diplomatic relations following the 2008 war. Russia recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, while Georgia and most of the international community consider the regions to be occupied Georgian territories.
