Parliament Vice Speaker: Georgia “won’t start talking about neutrality” in wake of war in Ukraine

Georgia will not start talking about military neutrality in the wake of the war in Ukraine, as “a lot of energy and human life has been invested” in strengthening the country’s NATO membership path, Gia Volski, the ruling party MP and Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, said on Tuesday.

We have said many times that many lives have been sacrificed [by Georgia’s peacekeeping forces] for international security along with NATO. Georgia is the largest contributor [to international missions] among non-NATO countries. Talking about the Kremlin's request [of neutrality of countries like Georgia] on this topic will not be relevant,” Volksi said in comments.

The MP also said regional and international security had become “an issue to be addressed with partners” in the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“The issue of neutrality is quite difficult. We see how the process is developing in relation to Ukraine, what the position of NATO is, [as well as that of] the countries that have to resolve this issue, and [...] the position of Ukraine itself,” the Parliament Vice Speaker said.

Volski said the Georgian Government had “high hopes” the country’s path to NATO membership would be safe, with international partners being able to provide security for Georgia.