Russia Accuses United Kingdom of Undermining Georgian Dream
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 6, 2025
According to Russian news outlet TASS, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia (SVR) has issued a report alleging that the United Kingdom is involved in efforts to destabilize the leadership in Georgia. The SVR suggests that British authorities are actively working to remove the ruling Georgian Dream political group through covert support of opposition elements.
The SVR report, cited by TASS on June 5, asserts that London seeks to unite non-government organizations with opposition figures in Georgia. This reported strategy, it claims, aims to invigorate political rivals and reignite their campaign to dislodge the current administration.
SVR officials argue that Western powers are displeased with Georgia's increasing reluctance to follow liberal international norms. According to the agency, the country is distancing itself from Western ideological influence and placing national priorities above foreign expectations. The report highlights what it calls a turn toward a more centralized leadership style, especially in contrast to the era of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, once hailed in Western circles for promoting democratic reforms in the region.
The document further alleges that British authorities intend to substantially raise financial support for anti-government groups. It claims that specific youth organizations, student networks, feminist groups, and LGBT activists have been selected to receive training. This reported instruction, SVR suggests, would include techniques to evade surveillance, engage with police during demonstrations, and carry out disruptive actions.
These accusations come at a time of escalating tension between Georgia's leadership and certain foreign diplomatic missions. The speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, addressed the situation by accusing several Western embassies of breaching diplomatic norms. He referred to the Vienna Convention and criticized foreign representatives for what he described as interference in domestic matters.
Papuashvili specifically called out the British Ambassador, alleging that he played a direct role in supporting local opposition leaders and influencing internal political processes. He also accused other European diplomats, including the EU Ambassador and the Swedish and French embassies, of backing opposition forces and organizations labeled by the ruling party as extremist.
In remarks to journalists, the parliamentary leader claimed that foreign missions are providing strategic direction to domestic opposition groups. He also questioned the integrity of some European envoys, accusing them of acting contrary to the values their countries claim to uphold.
