Kyiv says comments by Georgian premier on ‘Ukrainization’ threat ‘disturbing’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine said Thursday that comments by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the threat of “Ukrainization” against his country, amid consideration of a controversial “foreign agents” bill, are “disturbing.”

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Kobakhidze’s use of Ukraine’s name in an “offensive context” causes further damage to Kyiv-Tbilisi relations and claimed it is “Russification” that is a real threat to Georgia.

It said Ukraine is interested in a “peaceful and friendly atmosphere” in Georgia, indicating that Kyiv has unwaveringly supported and continues to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It also said the ministry is concerned about the worsening internal political situation in Georgia on the consideration of the “foreign agents” bill.

It urged “all concerned parties to respect the right of Georgian citizens to a peaceful protest and find a solution through constructive dialogue.”

All of this stems from a news conference Wednesday in Tbilisi where Kobakhidze was quoted by reporters as saying the "foreign agents" bill aims to “prevent the Ukrainization of Georgia.”

As many as 83 members of the 150-member parliament approved the first of three readings Wednesday that are required to adopt the bill, which has sparked protests in Tbilisi since Monday.

The bill requires organizations, including media outlets, that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register with the state registry. It also obliges them to publish annual financial reports.

The bill, first introduced in March 2023, was shelved after it triggered mass protests, resulting in the arrest of 66 people and injuries to more than 50 law enforcement officers.

Earlier this month, Mamuka Mdinaradze, parliamentary leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said the party will resubmit the draft legislation on the "transparency of foreign influence" to parliament.

Critics said the bill would undermine democracy and labeled it as a "Russian law," but members of the ruling majority contend it would boost transparency.