Reactions to Third Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine

On February 24, Georgian demonstrators, politicians, and civil society representatives marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine by expressing solidarity with the war-torn country. A high-level summit of Ukraine’s partners was held in Kyiv, bringing together leaders from dozens of countries both in person and via video link. Leaders of Canada, the Baltic states, and other countries, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, traveled to Kyiv to show support. However, no official Georgian delegation joined them.

In Tbilisi, a solidarity rally was organized by civil organizations, Protest24 and the Soviet Past Research Laboratory. The organizers emphasized the broader context of the war stating: “The outcome of this war will determine not only the fate of Europe, but also the security of Georgia. Ukraine is fighting for its independence and serves as a shield against Putin’s next targets – one of the first being Georgia.”

The rally began at 19:00 in front of the Embassy of Ukraine, honoring both the Ukrainian resistance and the Georgian volunteers who fell in the war. Participants then marched to Rustaveli Avenue to show continued support for Ukraine. They carried Ukrainian, Georgian, and EU flags and banners with slogans such as ‘Russia is a terrorist state’ and ‘Glory to Ukraine.’ Similar solidarity marches were held in Tbilisi in 2023 and 2024.

Solidarity rallies were held across Europe, including in Brussels, Geneva, and Prague, to show support for Ukraine as it enters its fourth year of resistance to full-scale Russian aggression.

Civil.ge has collected the statements made by Georgian politicians on the occasion of the third anniversary of the invasion:

President Salome Zurabishvili: “Today, three years after the start of the aggression of Russia against Ukraine, Georgia, Georgian people, stand with Ukraine. When there is talk about peace, the most important is that the victim of this war, which has gone through so many days, when Ukrainians were fighting for their territory, for their freedom, for their independence, that the peace be one that is fair and just. Because otherwise, there is no lasting peace. This peace should be one that is made with Ukraine, with the participation of Ukraine, with the participation of Europeans who are also concerned for their freedom and their future. Georgia stands with you at this very important time. Georgia wishes you a peace that is one that will last and that will be a peace for the whole of Europe. We know that we are in the same fight. The war with us is hybrid, but it’s nonetheless a war. And we also deserve a just and lasting peace, all together in a free and independent Europe.”

Georgian Dream

GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: “Three years have passed since a war broke out in Ukraine. It is indeed a tragic date in the history of our friendly country, Ukraine. The consequences of this was are very heavy for our friend country, our friend people. Scores of people have died in this war. About 10 million Ukrainians have turned into refugees. And 20% of Ukraine’s territory is still occupied by the Russian Federation. Infrastructure, economy, energy lie in ruins. Ukraine’s foreign debt reaches almost 100%. This year’s indicator is 96%, poised to exceed 100% by the end of this year. Above all else, we wish peace to our friendly country, friendly people. It is imperative to finalize this process-that is underway, in relation to ensuring peace in Ukraine-successfully and as fast as possible. Once again, I want to express the hope that peace will be ensured in our friendly country, Ukraine.”

GD Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili: “On the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Georgian government can proudly look into the eyes of the Georgian people because we have remained steadfast in our values, principles, and beliefs. That is why we were elected to power for the fourth time last October…. After the war began, the Georgian government expressed full solidarity with the Ukrainian people: we were co-authors and signatories of all international political and legal documents condemning Russian aggression; we ruled out any attempt to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russia; we provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine; we sheltered tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, along with our 300,000 internally displaced persons from the occupied territories. However, despite open and covert pressure, we did not impose bilateral sanctions on Russia, nor did we restrict land and air travel, because it was clear that such an escalation would go unnoticed by Russia, but for Georgia, in the absence of international security and economic guarantees, would lead to economic collapse and a new war. Despite our effective solidarity with Ukraine, the reciprocal actions of Zelensky’s government were incomprehensible. A week after the war began, the Ukrainian government recalled its ambassador from Georgia, and Zelensky himself addressed the protest rally in front of the Georgian parliament, saying that the Georgian people were “better than the Georgian government,” clearly instigating protest against the Georgian government. Ukrainian officials, including the presidential security adviser, openly called on us to take back Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region by force. We well remember the statements of the radical opposition, acting in unison with the Ukrainian government, and their associated NGOs that they preferred “bombs to the shame” caused by the Georgian government’s policy… Similarly, over the past few years, we have been pushed to subordinate our national interests to the incomprehensible demands of a new pseudo-liberal international. This will not happen, especially under the governance of the Georgian Dream.”

Opposition

Ahali/Coalition for Change: “Three years ago, the occupant Russia launched a full-scale aggression against Ukraine. On three year anniversary, our common enemy has failed to achieve any of its goals. Three years of resistance, heroism, and the fight for freedom. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Ukrainian and Georgian heroes! Все буде Україна! [Ukrainian phrase that expresses solidarity, literally means -Everything will be Ukraine].”

Khatia Dekanoidze, one of the leader of Unity – UNM: “Three years of resistance! Today, it is important to arrive at the Ukrainian Embassy at 7 PM. Ukraine is defending freedom. For three years, it has been holding back the horde [Russia]. Слава Україні [Glory to Ukraine]!”

Strong Georgia: “Victory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!”

Giorgi Gakharia, leader of For Georgia party: “It’s been three years that Ukraine, demonstrating exceptional courage and dedication, fights the most atrocious invasion of this century. The determination of the Ukrainian nation to defend their freedom and the European future inspires the free world. Ukraine deserves just and lasting peace which we should ensure through the joint efforts.”

Also Read:

• 24/02/2024 – Reactions to Second Anniversary of Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
• 24/02/2023 –President Slams Government at Ukraine War Anniversary Event
  

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)