Georgians back Ukraine, but their government is more hesitant
The memory of Russian aggression drives both responses
IF ANYONE FEELS Ukrainians’ pain, it is Georgians. In 2008 Russia invaded Georgia and garrisoned the self-declared statelets of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, leaving a fifth of Georgia’s territory under de facto Russian occupation. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February thousands of Georgians marched in solidarity. Many worry that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, may target them again to compensate for his failed invasion—or “to continue the expansion started in Ukraine, depending on the outcome of the war”, warns Salome Zourabichvili, Georgia’s president.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Finger in the wind”
Europe April 23rd 2022
- Fighting has intensified in the Donbas region
- Why Olaf Scholz hesitates to send Ukraine heavy weapons
- Georgians back Ukraine, but their government is more hesitant
- Protests and politics will dominate this year’s Biennale
- Emmanuel Macron remains the strong favourite to win France’s presidency
- Tariffs on Russian energy are a smart way to hobble Vladimir Putin
From the April 23rd 2022 edition
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