Georgian FM condemns Russian Duma’s appeal to Putin to recognise independence of Ukrainian occupied territories
“We always stand by you [Ukraine] because we know the value of freedom and the struggle for it. Therefore, I believe that this should be a day of unity for both Ukraine and the whole progressive society,” Zalkaliani said. Photo: Georgian foreign ministry.
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Georgian foreign minister David Zalkaliani has condemned the Russian State Duma’s appeal to the country’s President Vladimir Putin yesterday to recognise the independence of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, saying the move would “further aggravate the already difficult situation and jeopardise international agreements.”
Delivering his speech at an event marking the Day of Unity of Ukraine at the country’s embassy in Tbilisi, Zalkaliani emphasised the ongoing practice of the Russian Federation in neglecting fundamental principles of international law, pointing out Georgia had experienced Russian aggression back in 2008 “which was followed by the occupation and recognition of a large part of Georgian territory by Russia.”
We once again reiterate our solidarity and strong support to the brotherly Ukrainian ???????? people in the fight for freedom. We always stand by your side because we know well the price of freedom and the struggle for it. We #StandWithUkraine ???????????????????? @DmytroKuleba @MFA_Ukraine pic.twitter.com/nm7fAqipd3
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) February 16, 2022
The GM underscored Ukraine faced a similar threat, highlighting “it is concerning to see a large-scale military mobilisation taking place along the borders of Ukraine in the 21st century.” The Georgian minister reiterated Georgia’s “firm support for the brotherly Ukrainian people in the struggle for freedom.”
We always stand by you [Ukraine] because we know the value of freedom and the struggle for it. Therefore, I believe that this should be a day of unity for both Ukraine and the whole progressive society,” Zalkaliani said.
FM @DZalkaliani has expressed solidarity with brotherly Ukraine ???????? at the @UKRinGEO and joined the Day of Unity. @MFA_Ukraine pic.twitter.com/PgzUDJgPtz
— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) February 16, 2022
The Georgian FM emphasised the importance of the freedom of choice for states to choose their security alliances, adding “no one has the right to question the aspirations of our countries to be full members of the European and Euro-Atlantic family.”