Georgia should itself make decisions on issues related to the entry of citizens of the Russian Federation into the country

EU Ambassador Pavel Gerchinsky believes that the Georgian authorities should independently make decisions on all issues related to the entry of Russian citizens into the country.

“Unfortunately, I cannot say what the position should be on this issue. It’s up to the Georgians and the Georgian government to decide. Of course, I understand that the decision of the President of Russia to announce a partial mobilization caused concern among the Russians, but it is up to Georgia,” the diplomat said, answering a question from a journalist from the Mtavari TV channel.

He added that the European Union supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, and is also working to ensure that the country is ready for any challenge.

Unlike Gerchinsky, who was appointed EU ambassador to Georgia last month, US Ambassador Kelly Degnan has taken a clearer stance. She believes that Georgia should continue to accept both refugees from Ukraine and people fleeing the repressions of the Russian and Belarusian authorities.

Partial mobilization has been announced in Russia since September 21 – the authorities announced that they were going to send 300,000 people to fight in Ukraine. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians began to leave the country. Every day, on the border with Georgia, an average of 2-3 thousand cars are expected to leave the Russian Federation.