Russia Designates Khoshtaria's Droa Party as 'Undesirable' Organization
By Messenger Staff
Friday, November 6, 2026
Russia has designated the Georgian opposition party Droa, led by jailed politician Elene Khoshtaria, as an "undesirable" organization, targeting a party that has openly criticized Moscow's policies toward Georgia, opposed the normalization of bilateral relations and advocated the country's integration into the European Union.
The designation was announced by Russia's Prosecutor General's Office on November 5. In its statement, the agency described Droa as having "strongly Russophobic views" and accused it of seeking to "discredit Russia's actions" regarding Georgia.
Founded in 2021, Droa is part of the opposition Coalition for Change. According to the Russian agency, the party focuses on the "so-called exposure of the local ruling elite's ties with Russia," dismantling Georgia's "one-party system," and "promotion of the idea of accelerating the country's integration into the European Union."
The Prosecutor General's Office also accused Droa of opposing the normalization of political, economic and cultural-humanitarian relations between Russia and Georgia. It claimed the party demands the reinstatement of the visa regime and the suspension of direct air service between the two countries.
"They believe that Russia has occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, violating international law and the sovereignty of the South Caucasus state."
The Russian agency further claimed that Droa's leader accuses the Georgian Dream ruling party of pursuing a pro-Russian course and attempting to isolate Georgia from European integration. It also alleged that the opposition party "actively supports the Ukrainian regime, calls for closer cooperation between Georgia and Ukraine, and advocates for Georgia's inclusion in the 'Carpathian Eight.'"
Droa responded to the designation in a Facebook statement, identifying its position on Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, criticism of Russia's actions and efforts to expose alleged ties between Georgian Dream and Moscow as among the reasons behind the decision.
The party said Russia had targeted it for considering Abkhazia and Tskhinvali occupied territories, describing Moscow as a violator of international law and Georgia's sovereignty, and exposing the "secret ties" between Georgian Dream and Russia.
"We take this honorable opportunity to declare once again: Abkhazia and Samachablo [Tskhinvali] are Georgia! Glory to the heroes! The Ivanishvili regime is Russian! We will put an end to Ivanishvili's Russian regime in Georgia!" the party said, adding that "Georgia will be a member of the EU and NATO!"
Khoshtaria was detained on September 15, 2025, after writing "Russian Dream" on a campaign banner of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. In March, she was sentenced to one year and six months in prison after a court found her guilty of property damage.
Separately, Khoshtaria and seven other opposition party leaders face charges in a sabotage case. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences.
