Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze Says US Easing of Russian Diesel Restrictions Vindicates Georgia's Sanctions Policy
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the United States' decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel underscored the correctness of Georgia's decision not to join sanctions against Russia.
Responding to a journalist's question, Kobakhidze described the government's refusal to impose sanctions as "absolutely rational, pragmatic, correct, and the only viable option."
He recalled the criticism the government faced after deciding not to join sanctions against Moscow, arguing that the latest US move supported Tbilisi's position.
"You will recall the massive campaign that ensued when we decided not to join sanctions against Russia at that time. Against this backdrop, we now see that sanctions are being eased," Kobakhidze said.
He added that the development reflected US policy and reinforced the Georgian Dream government's view that refusing to join the sanctions had been the right decision.
Two Georgians Illegally Detained Near Tskhinvali Region Released
Two Georgian citizens who were illegally detained near the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region on Sept. 3 have been released, Georgia's State Security Service (SSSG) said on October 9.
The agency did not identify the men, but the Russian-backed Res news agency in Tskhinvali named them as Giorgi Zhuzhniashvili, born in 1990, and Dito Muradashvili, born in 1994. Res reported that they had allegedly crossed the so-called border near Tsinagari village, referred to as Amdzarini in Ossetian.
The SSSG said it had sought their unconditional release through the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, using the hotline and engaging international partners in negotiations.
The two men have returned to territory controlled by the Georgian government, the agency said, adding that efforts to secure the release of other Georgian citizens held in the occupied territories continue.
The SSSG's 2025 annual report recorded 34 detentions near the occupied Tskhinvali region and 40 in Abkhazia.
