Georgian President calls for visa requirement for Russian citizens after Kremlin revokes visas for Georgian nationals

Zourabichvili’s call came after Vladimir Putin’s announcement of revocation of visas for Georgian citizens in Russia. The move itself came after the revealing of the 11th package of sanctions by the European Union against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Photo: Presidential Administration

Agenda.ge, 10 May 2023 - 17:46, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Wednesday called on the Georgian Government to convene a Security Council meeting and discuss imposing a visa requirement for Russian citizens, after the Russian President on Wednesday announced his Government was revoking visas for Georgian nationals. 

Zourabichvili’s call came after Vladimir Putin’s announcement of lifting of visa requirements for Georgian citizens. The move itself came after the revealing of the 11th package of sanctions by the European Union against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. 

The Georgian President called the move “completely unacceptable, inappropriate and untimely”, and said the development meant her country did not need to pursue possible resumption of direct flights with Russia, in reference to speculation over the recent months about the possible restoration of air connections.

She also called the Kremlin’s decision a “Russian provocation”.