The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has urged the Georgian government to respect its people's right to peaceful protest.

Ukraine firmly condemns the use of force against the peaceful protest in Tbilisi and emphasizes that the escalation of the internal political situation in the country is a result of numerous violations during the parliamentary elections on October 26.

This is stated in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, published on the department's website.

“All violations documented by international observers must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. We urge the country's authorities to respect the right of Georgian citizens to peaceful protest and to refrain from violence and provocations,” the statement reads.

It is noted that Ukraine is also disappointed by the Georgian government's decision to halt EU accession negotiations until 2028.

“This decision, like the use of force against the peaceful protest, is evidence of the rollback of democratic processes in the country in favor of Moscow. It is no coincidence that the leadership of Georgia has already received public praise from the Kremlin for actions contrary to the European choice of its own people,” the message states.

Ukraine calls on the Georgian government to respect the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the Georgian people to be an integral part of a free and democratic Europe and to return to implementing all necessary reforms for the country to achieve EU membership, the statement concludes.

Background. As reported, protests in Georgia are gaining momentum following the government's decision to suspend EU accession negotiations. Clashes with the police have begun, and protesters are building barricades.