We are not trying to stop all business and trade, our job is to prevent the Russian military from getting the equipment they use to kill people in Ukraine. Such a statement made today the Head of the US State Department’s Office of Sanctions Coordination, Ambassador James O’Brien, at a press conference in Tbilisi.

“I would like to say a few words why this effort is necessary, especially on the part of the Georgian government. Our task is to prevent the Russian military from getting the equipment they use to kill people as part of their illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are focused on preventing the trade of such devices and equipment that Russia uses on the battlefield.

I want to emphasize that we are not trying to stop all business and trade. We do not sanction Russian food, fertilizers or other basic consumer goods, we help them reach the global market and important trading partners like Georgia.

As this trade continues, we want to make sure that we, along with our partners, remain focused on the commodities that matter to the battlefield”, - said James O’Brien.