**Lithuania and Estonia Impose Sanctions on Georgian Officials**
On December 15, Lithuania and Estonia announced that they have imposed sanctions on several Georgian government officials. This move comes as part of ongoing protests in Georgia sparked by the decision to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028.
The Baltic states had previously imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and members of the Interior Ministry for human rights violations. Lithuania expanded its sanctions list to include 17 individuals, while Estonia sanctioned 14 officials earlier that day.
**International Reactions**
The United States has also taken similar actions, announcing visa bans on approximately 20 Georgian individuals accused of “undermining democracy.” The US move was seen as a show of support for the people of Georgia and their European aspirations.
In a joint statement, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna called on all EU countries to react and take action against human rights violations in Georgia. He stated that the violence perpetrated by Georgian authorities against protesters, journalists, and opposition leaders is “criminal and against human rights.”
**Georgian Protests**
The sanctions come as part of an ongoing crisis in Georgia, where over 220 people have been arrested during a crackdown on protests sparked by Kobakhidze’s decision to suspend EU accession negotiations. Dozens have been reported injured as the Georgian police deployed tear gas and water cannons.
**International Community Speaks Out**
The international community has expressed its support for Ukraine amid ongoing military conflicts with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of inflicting “maximum pain” on Russian President Vladimir Putin through additional sanctions and enhanced military support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has classified a recent incident where North Korean soldiers allegedly killed eight members of the Chechen Akhmat unit as a terrorist attack. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and its allies, including North Korea.
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