Georgia's government would not join any sanctions on Russia, according to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who defended Tbilisi's "pragmatic strategy" in the face of a growing international response to Russia's war on Ukraine.

"I want to emphasise clearly and explicitly that, taking into account our national interests and the interests of the people, Georgia does not want to engage in the financial and economic sanctions," Garibashvili told on February 25.

Georgia's central bank declared that it will follow the sanctions placed on Russia's VTB Bank, which has a branch in Georgia, by banning the bank's dollar, Euro, and other currency transactions. However, it emphasised that, if required, it would be willing to bail out the bank. "In the event that extra liquidity is required, the National Bank of Georgia stands ready to supply the bank with necessary financial resources," the bank stated in a statement. Later, the bank seemed to change its statement, omitting the mention of the bailout.

"The melancholy of the prime minister's declaration today does not reflect my stance - Georgians do not desert their friends in need," said Nino Lomjaria, the country's human rights ombudsman. "The fight for freedom and dignity in Ukraine is also our fight. Those of you who share my viewpoint, please express it; there are a lot of us, and we have the right to voice our minds."

Georgia's parliament declared on February 25 that public access to the building will be restricted due to popular outrage. In a statement, the legislature's press staff stated, "The purpose of these measures is to prevent any provocations and to ensure working conditions for members of parliament."

Thousands of people gather in Tbilisi to show their support for Ukraine

Thousands of protesters gathered in front of Tbilisi's State Chancellery to show their support for Ukraine and to protest Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili's decision not to join international sanctions on Russia.

Protesters painted the government building's wall with the colours of the Ukrainian flag at the request of the opposition Droa political party. The demonstrators said that Irakli Garibashvili did not represent Georgian citizens and that he should resign.