Georgian Parliament Speaker meets with Ukrainian counterpart, denounces Russia’s military aggression

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, along with the parliamentary delegation of Georgia, met with Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Chair Ruslan Stefanchuk and denounced Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine on an official visit to the country on Saturday.

Following the meeting with Stefanchuk in Kyiv, Papuashvili described the Ukrainians’ efforts to defend their country as “a prime example of virtue and boldness.”

For his part, Stefanchuk thanked his “dear friend” for a visit.

Together with @shpapuashvili in the Kyiv. Thank you gor your visit, my dear Friend. Many thanks for Great Georgian People from Ukraine. https://t.co/zZ4mxxeEYZ

— Ruslan Stefanchuk (@r_stefanchuk) April 16, 2022

The Georgian delegation proceeded to visit the Ukrainian cities of Bucha and Irpin, where numerous civilians were killed by the Russian troops.

Papuashvili condemned the committed atrocities, called on Russia to end the violence and highlighted that “there is no alternative to peace.”

No words can describe the suffering & misery in #Bucha & #Irpen - an unspeakable & shocking tragedy in the heart of Europe in XXI century. There are many more Ukrainian cities, more similar stories yet untold. #Russia must end these atrocities. There is no alternative to peace. pic.twitter.com/DSaP2EULjA

— Shalva Papuashvili ???????? (@shpapuashvili) April 16, 2022

Papuashvili asserted Georgia would not help Russia “in any way,” Stefanchuk wrote following the visits to Bucha and Irpin, adding one could see “the real face of the Russian army” in those cities.

Georgia ???????? will not help ???????? in any way. So said @shpapuashvili when he saw Bucha and Irpin with his own eyes. The horrific story of the affected cities of Kyiv region has not left anyone indifferent. For here, as in a mirror, you see the real face of the russian army. pic.twitter.com/LyXEH4lCpD

— Ruslan Stefanchuk (@r_stefanchuk) April 16, 2022

The Georgian Speaker later met with Giorgi Zakarashvili, the Ambassador of Georgia to Ukraine, and expressed gratitude for the latter’s “fearless efforts” amid the war.

Thanks to courageous, daring and dedicated Georgian diplomats, a Georgian flag was always flying high in front of ????????’s embassy in #Kyiv ????????even in the most dangerous days. Your fearless efforts are much appreciated. @Geo_Emb_to_Ukr pic.twitter.com/vGWE9vpNVh

— Shalva Papuashvili ???????? (@shpapuashvili) April 17, 2022

Papuashvili also thanked the Ukrainian armed forces for providing security for the Georgian delegation during the visit.

Immensely grateful to brave men and women of the Ukrainian forces for effectively providing security and safety to the Georgian parliamentary delegation in #Kyiv, #Bucha and #Irpin ✊ pic.twitter.com/rCBW21Q39b

— Shalva Papuashvili ???????? (@shpapuashvili) April 17, 2022

The Georgian MPs departed for Ukraine on Friday.