Georgia will not restore diplomatic relations with Russia unless Moscow retracts its recognition of the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, stated Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday.
Relations between Tbilisi and Moscow were cut after the 2008 war, during which Russia declared the two regions as independent states, a claim that has only received recognition from a select few countries.
Kobakhidze emphasized to reporters, as reported by the Interfax news agency, “We hold a firm position and have established red lines regarding the de-occupation of these territories. This matter is non-negotiable.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry informed the pro-Kremlin publication Izvestia that it was open to improving relations “in line with Georgia’s willingness,” yet maintained that its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is “irreversible.”
The ministry remarked, “There are no prerequisites for resuming political dialogue with Georgia because Tbilisi insists on tying the re-establishment of diplomatic ties to Russia’s abandonment of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” describing this stance as “counterproductive and unrealistic.”
Since 2008, Russia has provided military, political, and economic support to the separatist regions, which comprise about 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic standoff, the two nations are still engaged in trade and cultural exchanges, according to Petre Mamradze, a former head of Georgia’s presidential administration. He noted in Izvestia that economic interactions, particularly in tourism and agriculture, are likely to remain areas of potential growth.
Georgia exports goods like wine, mineral water, fruits, and nuts to Russia, while importing natural gas from Moscow. Bilateral trade amounted to nearly $1.3 billion in the first half of 2025, representing a 7% rise compared to the previous year, as reported by Georgia’s national statistics service.
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has faced criticism for allegedly fostering closer ties with Russia in recent years while distancing itself from NATO and the European Union.
