What happened?
On April 9, 2021, the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili demanded the return of the Georgian ambassador to Ukraine, Teimuraz Sharashenidze, who had been recalled by the Ukrainian government on May 8, 2020. Zurabishvili stated this demand during her speech at the extraordinary sitting of the Parliament, where she expressed solidarity with Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression.
Why is it important?
The Georgian ambassador to Ukraine was summoned to Kyiv by the Ukrainian foreign ministry in connection with Kyiv’s complaint that Sharashenidze was being refused permission to leave the country for medical treatment. Sharashenidze had been suffering from a serious illness and needed urgent surgery in Georgia. The Georgian foreign ministry denied any wrongdoing and accused Ukraine of violating international law and human rights.
The recall of the ambassador was seen as a sign of Kyiv’s increasing impatience with Tbilisi’s cautious approach to the Russian attack on Ukraine. Georgia has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict and has not joined NATO or the EU, despite its aspirations. However, Georgia has also expressed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and has participated in several military exercises and humanitarian missions.
What are the implications?
The demand for the return of the ambassador is likely to escalate tensions between Georgia and Ukraine, as well as between Georgia and Russia. Russia considers Georgia as part of its sphere of influence and has repeatedly threatened its security and territorial integrity. Russia has also accused Georgia of interfering in its internal affairs and supporting separatist movements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The demand for the return of the ambassador could also affect Georgia’s relations with other countries that have diplomatic ties with both Tbilisi and Kyiv. For example, Turkey, which is a NATO member but also maintains close ties with Russia, could face pressure from both sides. Moreover, some European countries that have expressed interest in engaging with Georgia could be concerned about its alignment with Ukraine.
What are some possible solutions?
The demand for the return of the ambassador could be resolved through dialogue and compromise between Georgia and Ukraine. Both sides could agree to respect each other’s sovereignty and interests while maintaining their cooperation on regional issues. They could also seek mediation from third parties, such as Turkey or Germany, that have good relations with both countries.
Alternatively, if dialogue fails or becomes impossible, both sides could resort to other measures to protect their national security and interests. For example, they could increase their military presence along their borders or in strategic locations. They could also seek support from their allies or partners in international organizations or forums.
The demand for the return of the Georgian ambassador to Ukraine is a serious issue that reflects the complex dynamics between Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Germany, NATO, EU, US and other actors involved in or affected by the conflict in Eastern Europe. It poses a challenge for regional stability and security as well as for international law and human rights. It requires careful analysis and prudent action from all parties concerned.
