Georgian Civil Society Figures Warn of Russian Propaganda and Growing Russian Influence
By Messenger Staff
Monday, August 24, 2026
More than 100 Georgian civil society representatives, former diplomats, officials, academics, artists and other public figures have signed a joint statement accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party and organizations linked to it of promoting Russian propaganda and weakening Georgia's sovereignty.
The statement, issued around the 18th anniversary of Russia's 2008 military intervention in Georgia, says pro-Russian narratives have intensified, including claims that Georgia was responsible for starting the war. The signatories say such claims distort the history of the conflict and ignore the destruction of Georgian settlements, attacks on civilians and ethnic cleansing committed by Russian forces.
They also condemned Georgian Dream's use of the term "Russophobia," calling it a concept associated with Russian propaganda and saying it is being used to portray opposition to Russia's occupation, military aggression and growing influence as hatred toward Russians.
The group said the government's rhetoric is part of a broader campaign that is damaging Georgia's statehood and could leave the country more vulnerable to Russian aggression. They pointed to democratic backsliding, political persecution, restrictions on civil rights and freedoms, and the suspension of Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The signatories also raised concerns about growing trade, financial and energy dependence on Russia, the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens in Georgia in recent years, what they described as the spread of Russian-linked systemic corruption, and increasing political polarization and hostility within Georgian society.
They said the government's use of Russian narratives was not an isolated rhetorical development but part of a wider shift away from Georgia's Western partners and toward greater Russian influence.
"We, the citizens and patriots of this country, clearly and unconditionally reject these anti-state, Kremlinist narratives," the statement said.
The signatories called on Georgians, civil society organizations, political and professional groups to reject disinformation and defend the country's sovereignty, national interests and European future. They also called for the release of political prisoners, free and fair elections, protection of democratic institutions and human rights, and a return to the European and Euro-Atlantic course.
They said Georgia must ultimately be freed from Russian occupation and influence, warning that the current developments could have "irreversible consequences" for the country and future generations.
The statement was signed by former defense and foreign ministers, ambassadors and diplomats, academics, lawyers, journalists, artists and representatives of organizations including Transparency International-Georgia, the Economic Policy Research Centre, the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies and Green Alternative.
