US Ambassador Degnan: Georgian people have been “overwhelming” in their generosity toward Ukrainians
“This is the time, this is the reason to come together. I feel it in the meetings that I’ve had today that people, their hearts and their prayers are with the Ukrainian people,” the US Ambassador said. Photo: US Embassy Tbilisi
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Kelly Degnan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, has praised Georgian people’s “overwhelming generosity” towards Ukrainians in the face of the Russian invasion of the country which started 16 days ago, saying Georgians “know what it is like to be at war and to be attacked for no reason, just because you want to be free.”
In her comments to the media on Thursday, Degnan also stressed the importance of unity, especially for countries like Georgia, which “has suffered so much polarisation [...] over the last few years.”
She also praised Georgia for being “very outspoken” at various multilateral forums including the United Nations, Council of Europe, and OSCE in support of Ukraine, noting “all of our countries need to come together and show our support for Ukraine in every way possible.”
This is the time, this is the reason to come together. I feel it in the meetings that I’ve had today that people, their hearts and their prayers are with the Ukrainian people,” the US Ambassador said.
On February 26, Georgia, along with 80 other countries, co-sponsored the United Nations Security Council resolution - vetoed by Russia - which reiterates support for Ukraine "at all possible international platforms”, with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkalinai condemning the Kremlin’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Reinforced Permanent Council Meeting on February 25.
The Georgian government sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine yesterday, in addition to the 1 million GEL ($315,457 /€279,842) allocated from its reserve fund to assist the Ukrainians affected by the war.
Georgian citizens and businesses have also been offering free overnight accommodation and other types of assistance to Ukrainians in the country through social media groups since the breakout of the war.
Russia began its military assault on Ukraine three days after President Putin’s announcement of the recognition of the independence of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk on February 21.
A humanitarian aid package for Ukraine has been collected throughout Georgia following a decision by the Prime Minister, with 100 tons of aid prepared to be dispatched to the country on the backdrop of Russia's invasion.
Georgia has been providing large-scale humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the start of hostilities in the country last month, while also extending support to Ukrainian citizens in Georgia.
Georgia, along with 80 other countries, has co-sponsored the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution vetoed by Russia, the Georgian foreign ministry announced on Saturday, reiterating support for Ukraine "at all possible international platforms."
Georgian foreign minister David Zalkaliani condemned the Kremlin’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine at the OSCE Reinforced Permanent Council Meeting yesterday, where he reiterated “full support” for Ukraine.
The international community must do its best to stop the war in Ukraine, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on Friday.
The government of Georgia acts with “necessary caution,” while the country “clearly” stands against aggression in international organisations, Hubert Knirsch, the German Ambassador to Georgiam said in the wake of Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine on Friday.
Georgia has always been a good partner in complying with international sanctions, Kelly Degnan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, told journalists on Thursday.
Strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States and prospects for future cooperation were discussed on Thursday between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Derek Chollet, the Counselor of the US Department of State in Tbilisi.