Orbeli Analytical Center had an interview with Tornike Sharashenidze, a Georgian political scientist, academic and director of the School of International Relations at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) on Georgian-Ukrainian current relations, Ukrainian accusations and impact of the conflict to the South Caucasus region.

— Mr. Tornike, the war in Ukraine raised both external and internal political problems for Georgia. Kyiv repeatedly criticized the Georgian side for its official position, as well as for not joining the sanctions against Russia. What are the tests/trials of Georgian-Ukrainian relations? 

— The official position of Georgia does not differ from the official position of Moldova, however Moldova has not been criticized. I think the problem with Georgia is that sometimes there are some harsh, unbalanced statements made by our Prime minister. So it's about the rhetoric, not about the action that Georgia has taken since the war has started. Only those countries who are in the NATO and in the EU join the sanctions against Russia. You can not name any country who is not either in NATO or EU who has imposed sanctions on Russia. Countries like Georgia in a very vulnerable situation because of the presence of Russian military bases close to Tbilisi cannot make an effort to impose harsh sanctions on Russia. Georgia has to be careful, especially that Georgia cannot harm Russia at all if imposed sanctions. Georgia is going to harm only itself. Georgia has not imposed any sanctions like Moldova and many other states. If some Ukrainian politicians are unhappy with it, I think that's mainly because of the rhetoric not of our policy.

— As an independent expert, how do you assess the position of the Georgian government? President Salome Zourabichvili also joined the harsh criticism of the opposition during her recent speech in the parliament. In your opinion, what is the golden mean in this issue or is it there at all?

— President Zourabichvili has indeed criticized the Government. Yes, the Government could be more supportive in its rhetoric, supportive of Ukraine and be more visible in European capitals first of all. The problem is that sometimes actions of our Government can be questioned, because they look too careful. If you look at the actions, Georgia has supported Ukraine everywhere, in the UN, in the Council of Europe, in the Hague Court, etc.

— I do not think that those accusations stand a serious test on logic. Russia can much more comfortably use China for importing some banned goods. China is not afraid of the United States and Western reaction, unlike Georgia. Georgian authorities have been acting very very carefully. One thing you cannot say about the Georgian Government is that they are not careful. They are too careful, that's why I do not think they would be involved in such an activity smuggling goods to Russia. They have too much to lose, I mean the Georgian authorities. Bidzina Ivanishvili himself has too much to lose. He was preoccupied about his personal safety, his family's safety and also his capital. Most of his capital is in Western banks, in Western shares. Why would he put under threat his money and his personal security because of helping Russia. I do not think it is a case. I am pretty sure that sooner than later the Ukrainian side will understand that those accusations had no serious ground.

— Many countries imposed various sanctions against Russia. Especially on the economies of small countries these sanctions are already taking their toll. What economic impact have they had on Georgia or can they have, what is the situation there?

— The war is going to have a serious impact on the region. Economically it has already affected us, because Russia and Ukraine are both in the top 5 trade partners of Georgia. The war has already affected Georgia. Plus, we do not know what Russia is going to do if it finishes its business in Ukraine. Russia will do it best, of course, to finish the war in Ukraine in agreeable conditions for itself. What is Russia going to do after that, it's a big question. If Russia is going to present some kind of ultimatum to Georgia, it's pretty possible. That's why Georgian political classes are extremely worried about war in Ukraine. It is not about Ukraine, but also about Georgia.

— The Russian-Ukrainian war is not so far from our region. What impact will this conflict have on the countries of the South Caucasus from a political and security point of view?

— If Russia wins in Ukraine (if it can be considered as a victory) then it may turn to Georgia. If Russia is weakened after the war in Ukraine too much, then that may not be the case. Georgia may be secure. As for Azerbaijan and Armenia, I do not see threats for them. Armenia already has a partnership with Russia, and Russia is not going to ask for more. Azerbaijan is an independent player in the region, so it cannot be in danger.