Ukraine asks Georgia to return Buk missile systems handed over during 2008 war
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Andrey Kasyanov, the Ukrainian Chargé d'Affaires in Georgia, published an article where he wrote that the Ukrainian authorities have asked Georgia to return the Buk anti-aircraft missile systems, which Ukraine handed over to Georgia during the 2008 war.
The title of the article is "How Georgia helps Ukraine and where the problems remain" and was published in Ukrainska Pravda.
Kasyanov says in the article that the relationship between Ukraine and Georgia is currently going through a difficult period. Therefore, it is more important to understand how these relationships should develop and where problems arise.
According to him, several issues remain problematic, such as providing military aid to Ukraine, introducing a regime of bilateral sanctions against the Russian Federation, and introducing a visa regime for Russian citizens who are fleeing to Georgia en masse. Also, protecting the legal rights and interests of Mikheil Saakashvili, a citizen of Ukraine.
Regarding the topic of weapons, Andrei Kasyanov wrote that the Ukrainian side is consistent in demanding the supply of weapons, military equipment and ammunition to all international partners, including Georgia, and it also openly stated the vital need for weapons at the very beginning of the Russian Federation's large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"In particular, Kiev asked for the transfer of the Buk complexes, which Ukraine handed over to Georgia during the 2008 war.
Ukraine's request also included Javelin anti-tank complexes handed over to Georgia by the USA. Regarding the latter, there was not only an agreement from the US, but even a proposal to replace them with new complexes.
"Despite the fact that the government of Georgia has categorically refused military aid, Ukraine opposes the use of this issue in internal political disputes and denies any accusations of trying to engage Georgia in a war with the Russian Federation," he wrote.
