Sandu Says Russia Brought Georgia Back Into its Orbit
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said Russia has brought Georgia back into its orbit by using fear of war as a political tool. She made the statement while addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Speaking about Russia's hybrid influence in Europe, Sandu said Moldova is not the only country facing such pressure. She said similar tactics are being used across the region and argued that Russia exploits security fears to influence political choices.
"Moldova is not the only country facing these challenges. We see similar pressure across Europe," Sandu said. She added that Moldova had managed to withstand what she described as a two-year campaign through the efforts of society as a whole.
"I regret that Georgia, despite the courage of the Georgian people, who continue to defend democratic values, European aspirations, and the right to determine their own future, has been brought back into Russia's orbit," Sandu said. According to her, Russia used the fear of war and messaging suggesting that a "wrong" electoral choice would lead to instability.
Sandu's remarks drew a sharp response from Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who accused the Moldovan president of holding "anti-Georgian" positions and questioned her credibility.
"When the head of state says that her own country is so small that it needs to be abolished in order to survive, we are on completely different orbits in terms of values," Papuashvili said. He added that Georgia cannot "compete" with Moldova in this regard.
Papuashvili also claimed that Sandu supported attempts to overthrow the Georgian government. According to him, on October 4, during what he described as a violent incident involving the Georgian presidential palace, Sandu publicly backed groups opposing the government.
"She openly supported those involved in the violent overthrow of the government. This already shows what values this person stands on," Papuashvili said.
He accused Sandu of acting at the request of external actors, adding that she rarely comments on Georgia but does so "in a tone as if she has moral or political superiority."
"When we hear such rhetoric from the Moldovan president, it is completely outrageous and requires a response," Papuashvili said, reiterating that Sandu, in his words, "supports the abolition of her own state."
