We do not impose sanctions on Russia - we cannot allow the escalation to deepen. Such a statement made today the Chairman of the Georgian Dream.

“Yesterday EU ambassadors visited the Minister of Economy, with the so-called demarche regarding the resumption of flights. They practically demanded from us to impose sanctions on Russia, which was a kind of surprise.

Both the radical opposition, and our partners claimed that they were not asking for sanctions, but now we see a different approach. Our position on sanctions remains unchanged - we don’t impose sanctions on Russia for 2 main reasons.

Firstly, of course, the imposition of sanctions would be a step towards escalation, and we cannot allow the escalation to deepen, we must protect the security of our country and people. Secondly, from the economic point of view, sanctions would have the most severe consequences for us, our country and people.

We have talked about this many times. When you impose sanctions on someone, the purpose of this should be to punish him, and when by imposing sanctions you are not punishing him, but your own country and people, this is, of course, an absurdity and we cannot do it”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.