Ukraine is stepping up its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and is implementing its non-recognition policy of Russian-occupied regions of Georgia.
This month Ukraine introduced a new policy that stated anyone driving a vehicle in Ukraine with Abkhazian or South Ossetian registration plates will get fined.
This decision was made by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The Ministry sent Ukrainian law enforcers a request to enforce this policy as soon as possible, said a statement by the Ukraine patrol police.
"The Foreign Ministry explained Ukraine did not recognise the independence of these so-called ‘republics’ and considered these territories as part of Georgia,” the Ukrainian police said.
"Therefore, having vehicle registration plates from these and other non-recognised formations equals not having plates at all.”
The Ukrainian police added if vehicles with these registrations were spotted on Ukrainian territory, the local police would act accordance with the law and fine the driver.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, also known as Tskhinvali region, are Georgian territories that are currently occupied by Russia. Tbilisi has no control over them and they have their own de facto governments that are supported by Russia.
The global community recognises Abkhazia and South Ossetia as part of Georgia.