After Russia started an unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, the United States, along with an international coalition of more than 30 allies and partners, imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russia, including tightening export controls and other economic measures. The objective of the sanctions was to impede Russia’s access to capital, technologies and other resources necessary for it to wage an aggressive war.

Georgia’s strategic location, transportation potential, and transit infrastructure make it an attractive option for Russia’s foreign trade operations. However, Russia remains the largest threat to Georgia, having acted as the aggressor against Georgia in 2008 and currently occupying 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory where it operates military bases. Given this background, the most viable means for Georgia to maintain its security, territorial integrity and sovereignty is to strengthen its democracy, stabilize its political system and enhance its defence capabilities through closer ties and integration with the EU and NATO. Therefore, it is crucial for Georgia to honour its commitments to its international partners and support efforts made by the US, EU, and other coalition members to weaken the Russian military. The Georgian government must also avoid complicating its relations with its main partner countries, especially considering that the United States, EU, and G7 states have pledged to respond strictly to third-party actors supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine and violating sanctions imposed against Russia.

This policy paper provides an overview of the policies implemented by the Georgian government since the introduction of international sanctions against Russia in February 2022. The paper also evaluates the current challenges and potential threats that can only be avoided if Georgia effectively adheres to the sanctions.

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