At the Warsaw Security Conference, President Salome Zurabishvili warned that giving in to Russia’s demands will not lead to peace or coexistence in the region. She emphasized that Georgia must remain strong in defending its sovereignty and its goal of joining Europe, as it is currently facing a hybrid war of propaganda and legal manipulation from Russia.
Zurabishvili pointed out that while Ukraine is dealing with military aggression, Georgia is facing a different type of conflict, one that involves Russian tactics such as disinformation, fear, and the use of laws to weaken civil society. She specifically mentioned the “Russian law” that targets NGOs as an example of this threat.
“We are facing a different type of aggression, a hybrid war that includes propaganda and various forms of pressure,” Zurabishvili stated, explaining that these tactics are part of Russia’s larger strategy to destabilize Georgia.
Despite these challenges, the president expressed confidence in the resilience of the Georgian people, who have endured decades of Russian aggression since 1921 and even after gaining independence in 1991. “The Georgian people know that giving in does not bring peace,” she affirmed.
Zurabishvili also discussed the government’s response to these pressures, noting that a small group within the ruling elite may support pro-Russian policies due to corruption and personal gain. However, she stressed that this does not represent the majority of the population. “There are some who support these policies, but they are a very small group,” she said, attributing their stance to the privileges they hold within the current power structure.
The President expressed optimism that the upcoming elections will demonstrate the strength of the Georgian people’s determination to resist these pressures and continue their pursuit of a European future. “I believe that by the time of the elections, the will of the Georgian people will overcome these threats,” she concluded.
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