Kobakhidze Defends Erekle II's 1783 Treaty With Russia
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on August 18 defended King Erekle II's decision to sign the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk with Russia, calling it the "only correct and unavoidable decision" given Georgia's interests at the time.
The treaty placed Kartli-Kakheti under Russian protection, with Moscow promising to defend the kingdom and preserve its ruling dynasty. In return, Georgia accepted Russian control over its foreign relations. Russia later failed to protect Tbilisi from a Persian invasion in 1795 and annexed Kartli-Kakheti in 1801.
Kobakhidze nevertheless argued that the agreement helped preserve Georgia's national and cultural identity.
"When we were on the brink of survival and extinction, through this step by Erekle II, we not only survived as a nation, but ultimately won as well," he said.
He dismissed criticism of the king's decision as "baseless," saying Erekle II acted "with the sole motivation of saving the country, its statehood and its future."
Kobakhidze also used the historical debate to criticize Georgia's relations with Western partners. He accused the previous U.S. administration under President Joe Biden of treating Georgia "completely unfairly and extremely harshly" despite calling it a strategic partner, and said the EU and Washington had applied pressure over issues including sovereignty, legislation, transparency and "societal values."
Kobakhidze also commented on a statement by imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who had suggested he was being pressured to confess or "take blame" in a new corruption case and referred to a letter allegedly sent on Bidzina Ivanishvili's instructions.
"I saw the statement. I do not know what it is about. I know one thing: there is a specific court ruling. The rest is entirely a matter for law enforcement agencies," Kobakhidze said.
He said he had spoken with Ivanishvili the previous day but that Garibashvili's letter was not discussed. Kobakhidze also said he was unaware of the new allegations against Garibashvili.
Asked about the former prime minister's concerns over his family's safety, Kobakhidze said he could "guarantee" their security.
"It is the state's responsibility," he said, calling any suggestion of a potential threat "absurd."
