**Georgia’s Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili Speaks Out**
The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has responded to a question about how a possible end to the war in Ukraine might affect Georgia. He was asked if Ukraine would sign an agreement with Russia that would involve handing over Georgia to Russia.
**Papuashvili’s Response**
Papuashvili stated that such a scenario is based on the assumption that there could be a geopolitical reshuffling, where Ukraine signs an agreement with Russia and becomes part of the European Union. He pointed out that the participants in the negotiations are the USA, Ukraine, and the European Union.
**National Interests First**
Papuashvili emphasized that Georgia’s national interests come first. He stated that they are not relying on what kind of agreement Ukraine will reach with Russia. Instead, they are relying on their people and their national interests. Papuashvilli noted that they have learned a lesson from the 2008 war and understand how wars start and end.
**Protecting National Interests**
Papuashvili emphasized that protecting Georgia’s national interests is their top priority. They will not put anything above their own national interests, even if it means following different advice from others.
**Lessons Learned**
Papuashvilli mentioned that in February 2022, the opposition and media demanded sending volunteers to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. However, he pointed out that this would have risked entering a war and destroying their economy. Today, they are telling Georgia what to do, but in February 2022, they were advocating for other countries’ interests.
**Prioritizing National Interests**
Papuashvilli stated that every country acts based on its own interests. They will not follow the interests of others if it means harming their own national interests. Instead, they will focus on ensuring the fulfillment of their two main objectives: the unification of the country and the well-being of the people.
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