Even today, the EU pays Russia 20 million euros per day for the gas transported through 1 pipeline alone, and this pipeline passes through Ukraine. Such a statement made the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament.

“At least, after 2008, we have been aware that Russia is aggressor and has occupied our territories, but we have had this experience even earlier, since the 90s. Therefore, I don’t think any country has the right to speak with Georgia from a moral pedestal about who Russia is, what is happening and what kind of policy it has.

Unfortunately, when some people from outside or inside the country, the opposition and NGOs talk about economic relations and try in every way to discredit our country, as if trade deals are made by circumvention, etc., they should look at simple numbers.

Even today, the European Union pays Russia 20 million euros per day for the gas transported through one pipeline alone, and this pipeline passes through Ukraine.

Those who are fond of calculation, may think about how many tanks this means and whether it finances the war or not. Second example – our exports are mainly wine, mineral water, water, etc. The largest exporter from the EU to Russia is Latvia, and in 2022, in 3 months, August-September-October, Latvia exported as much wine to Russia as Georgia did in the whole year. Now, the society should compare what we are dealing with when Latvia, which is not distinguished by wine production, exports the same amount of wine to Russia in just 3 months.

Therefore, I would like to emphasize that when statements are made against Georgia from a moral pedestal, whether it is from inside the country, or by some external politicians, as if Georgia is trading, it is benefiting, etc., they should look at their own countries and companies, what they do and how they trade with Russia”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.