The comparison of war and peace is essential for society to make informed choices. The haunting images we see are consequences we must avoid, and doing so requires significant effort. Such a statement made today the Prime Minister of Georgia.

“I recall how Ukrainians have used footage of their conflict for various purposes, including humorous ones, but that is a separate discussion. Today, we remind the public of the consequences of war and the outcomes we have avoided in 2022 and 2023. This understanding is critical, especially in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

What is happening in Ukraine is entirely unacceptable. Regarding the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, I will refrain from commenting. However, the comparison between war and peace is fundamentally about enabling society to make the right choices.

The distressing imagery we witness highlights realities we must evade, no matter how hard it may be. Had we not taken the appropriate steps in 2022-2023, our country could have faced a similar fate. It is vital to recognize that certain individuals may attempt to steer our society toward the wrong decisions after these elections, should the public choose poorly.

Our society needs to grasp the true costs of war. Too often, including on your television channels, within political parties, and among NGOs, the situation in Ukraine is presented in a romanticized manner. This is categorically unacceptable. Such narratives may condition the Georgian people to accept the idea of war, but we must firmly reject any portrayal of war in Georgia or the imposition of a Ukrainian scenario upon us. Neither your media, nor your parties, nor your NGOs should normalize war”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.