Prepared by Messenger Staff
Zakharova Says Georgia's Prosperity Depends on Cooperation With Russia
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, said Georgia's economic growth depends on cooperation with Russia and suggested that Tbilisi has begun to understand what she described as the West's "true goals."
Speaking at a March 25 briefing, Zakharova said "the prerequisite for Georgia's prosperity is not confrontation with Russia, but cooperation," adding that relations with Russia are "one of the key factors" behind what she called the country's economic growth.
She said Moscow remains open to political dialogue with Tbilisi and would be ready for talks if the Georgian side is willing. According to her, there are signs that Tbilisi is interested in more constructive relations.
Zakharova described ties between the two countries as "natural" and rooted in historical links, contrasting them with what she called "Western practices."
She also referred to the Russia-Georgia War, calling it part of the legacy of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and linking it to what she described as a past refusal to engage in dialogue with Russia.
Georgian Fighter Sentenced in Absentia by Donetsk Court
A court in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk has sentenced Georgian national Shmagi Dighmelashvili to 14 years in prison in absentia for fighting on Ukraine's side as a "mercenary". He has also been placed on an international wanted list.
The sentence was issued by the de facto "Supreme Court" of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
According to a March 23 statement by the de facto prosecutor's office, Dighmelashvili, 42, joined the Georgian National Legion in March 2022. The unit, made up largely of Georgian fighters, has been active in Ukraine since 2014. In 2024, Russia designated it as a terrorist organization.
De facto authorities in Donetsk claim Dighmelashvili underwent training at a Ukrainian military base and took part in combat operations against Russian forces through 2025. They also allege he received 3.5 million rubles as payment.
