Russia Praises Georgian Dream for Not Severing Ties With Moscow
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 26, 2026
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova praised Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party for what she described as resisting Western pressure to cut ties with Russia, saying Moscow aims to build "pragmatic relations" with Tbilisi.
"Despite immense pressure from the West, the Georgian authorities declare their readiness to defend their national interests rather than follow the suggested path," Zakharova said at a January 22 briefing.
She claimed that maintaining ties with Russia has brought economic benefits, arguing that cooperation allows Georgia "to achieve record GDP growth, higher citizen incomes, and other benefits."
Zakharova questioned Georgia's prospects of joining NATO and the EU, calling them "false hopes," and said Tbilisi was beginning to realize "the deceitfulness of the promises of 'golden mountains.'"
She added that Moscow is "interested in Georgia being sovereign and independent" and not becoming "a tool or a 'toy' in others' hands," while expressing support for what she called Georgia's efforts to limit external interference in its internal affairs.
Pointing to economic ties, Zakharova said trade turnover grew 6% in 2025 to USD 2.7 billion and that Russian tourist arrivals increased by 11% to 1.6 million. At the same time, she said that "the prerequisites are currently absent" for resuming political dialogue, blaming the rupture in diplomatic relations on Georgia's former leadership.
Zakharova also welcomed the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, calling it "the triumph of common sense," adding that it restored opportunities for families, friends, and businesses to stay connected.
