Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili does not support the restoration of air links with Russia. She wrote about this on her Facebook page.
Zurabishvili also emphasized that she requires a review of the policy of entry and stay of Russians in Georgia: “It is necessary to seriously study the issue of the influx of Russian citizens, with all its social and political parameters, so that the public feels that its national interests and security are taken into account and protected. We need regulations – on the rights to work, on registering a business, on acquiring property or on opening Russian-language schools.”
At the end of her message, the President of Georgia noted that instead of resuming air traffic, Georgia should think about its reputation. According to her, the country's government should respond to the accusation that the Russians bypassed the sanctions through Georgia.
Over 700,000 Russians entered Georgia in 2022. In September, when Vladimir Putin introduced mobilization, there were 163,192 people. In October – 109,158. After the announcement of mobilization at the Upper Lars checkpoint, which separates Russia and Georgia, a multi-kilometer queue formed. Eyewitnesses of what is happening called it a humanitarian catastrophe.