Russia's Flight to Georgia and the Consequences
Across the Black Sea, close to Türkiye (formerly recognized as Turkey) and right beneath Russia, is the former Soviet country of Georgia. A country with an identity deeply rooted in its own culture, religion, and history, its place on the world stage is not widely known, but its influence is nevertheless present. Recent strains in Georgian-Russian relations have heightened as the country of just three million serves as a pawn and potentially, Putin’s next target in his war of expansion.
Despite these political tensions, Georgia remains pro-Russia and is attempting to cooperate with the country, a highly controversial decision. One of the most striking changes to policy this year was the lifting of the visa requirement for Russians, allowing them to now travel freely between Georgia and Russia. This change sent shockwaves throughout Georgia.
Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, there has been intense pressure around the world to place sanctions on Russia. Most, if not all, pro-western countries utilized this strategy to hinder the Kremlin. However, Georgia has remained neutral on the issue of sanctions to protect its peace, a strategy proving divisive with Georgians. In addition to lifting the visa requirement, Georgia lifted the ban on Russia-Georgia flights, causing domestic and international uproar. What seems like a country attempting to build up democracy, may have just jeopardized its EU candidacy.
In January, Georgia began unveiling its plan to continue flights with Russia, a decision that led U.S. and EU members to issue a warning against the policy. The U.S. State Department released a statement shortly after which stated, “We would be concerned if flights between Russia and Georgia were to resume, given that companies at Georgian airports could be targeted for sanctions …,” The idea of Georgia allowing Russian flights seemed to pose a threat to Georgia’s integration into the EU and relations with Western countries including those in the EU and the U.S. EU and partner countries have sanctioned Russian flights, a path that did not suit Georgia economically. Though this risk was raised, Georgian officials ignored warnings and moved forward with reopening travel.
Peter Stano, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs issued a statement on May 16, 2023, condemning Georgia for the actions taken without EU consultation, “We regret Georgia's decision to resume flights to and from Russia…the European Union and a number of other countries introduced sanctions against the Russian aviation sector…” The EU had made it clear that Georgia was steering away from a positive relationship with the EU. Additionally, the EU stated that Georgia was falling behind on their path towards the EU. We see this specifically in the “EU Georgia Association Agreement,” which states that Georgia should align to EU foreign policy decisions, and clearly Georgia has not committed to this idea.
Additionally, Stano stated, “So regrettably, Georgia’s alignment with the EU foreign and security policy decisions and declarations has gone down from 44% last year to only 31% so far this year.” This was a clear pivot against the agreement and served as an additional backfall for Georgia’s path to democracy and EU membership. The viewpoint of the international community was negative, and Georgia’s passion for following along with the international community became clearer in the days that followed.
Amid the resumption of flights to Russia, Georgians once again protested the decisions made by their government. On May 16, hundreds of Georgians gathered outside Tbilisi Airport as the first Russian flight entered Georgia. Georgians were seen holding Georgia and Ukrainian flags, along with posters stating “Russia is a terrorist state.” Six protestors were detained by Georgian Police forces. Nonetheless, the plane landed and Russians were freely let into the country. In the weeks that followed, Georgians were seen filling the streets and protesting the decision made by the Russian and Georgian governments. Citizens that were peacefully protesting were met with brutal police force attempting to, once again, suppress citizen voices. Though the Georgian people have come across with clear dismay, officials have not listened and the split between Georgian citizens and their officials has become evident.
What may have seemed like a painless decision, could have entirely risked Georgia’s candidacy in the EU. Georgia continues to move closer and closer to the Kremlin at full speed as Russians fill the streets of Tbilisi, in restaurants, shopping malls, cafes, and every corner imaginable. Above the parliamentary steps, waves the EU and Georgian flags. In today's climate, they serve as an ironic reminder of Georgia's long-ago dream of joining a democratic community. One question remains: is it too late for Georgia to become the democracy it has hoped for? Only time will tell.