On December 7, Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Prime Minister, spoke with journalists about the Russo-Ukrainian war and Mikheil Saakashvili's failing health.

In his remarks on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Garibashvili highlighted Georgia's humanitarian assistance to that country and claimed that since the start of that terrible conflict, Georgian society and the government had worked together to send more than 1,000 tons of humanitarian cargo. Additionally, he recalled the assistance provided to the Ukrainian refugees who had come to Georgia and noted that it was still being provided. He stated, "Ukrainian children here get education in Ukrainian schools, and as for further humanitarian support, we will once again evaluate, identify methods of assistance, and continue this assistance." In response to a question regarding giving Ukraine military assistance, Prime Minister Garibashvili emphasized, "We will not do this. We will never take part in this war or fight as a state. This is our unequivocal stance. The Georgian people hold the ruling party accountable." In that context, he also discussed attempts to involve Georgia in the conflict and the second front narrative, citing quotes from Ukrainian government officials who claimed that they desired to open a second front in Georgia. Furthermore, he highlighted: "We appreciate all nations and peoples, but we love our country the most and will defend its interests above all else." He said, "My first responsibility as our country's Prime Minister is to preserve the interests of our country, and I am doing that."

Garibashvili also sent his condolences to the families of the Georgian fighters who died in Ukraine. The PM stated that the state is doing all it can to repatriate these individuals with dignity and bury them with full military honors. Moreover, PM Garibashvili apologized for remarks he made regarding the Georgians slain in Bakhmut, Ukraine, two days prior, and claimed that what he said had been misunderstood. The PM attributed this to media personnel, claiming that they were the ones who misunderstood what he had said.

According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, the notions that he assumed all Georgian combatants in Ukraine were a member of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party is false and a huge fabrication. The PM said that some of the Georgians in Ukraine enlisted in the military out of their convictions, idealistic attitudes, and spirit. However, he did not mention that the UNM recruited them to fight. He pointed out that another category has a direct connection to UNM and Saakashvili. He gave Mamuka Mamulashvili, Commander of the Georgian Legion, as an illustration of this and mentioned that Nona Mamulashvili, Mamulashvili's sister, was a UNM parliamentarian.

Garibashvili highlighted that Mikheil Saakashvili's entry into Georgia was intended to create a revolution and bloodshed. Prime Minister acknowledged that he is not a doctor and does not know what is wrong with this individual. "They used the final card by bringing Saakashvili back. They acted foolishly, and the result was a total disaster. No one should have any delusions that this phase of the conflict, with these troublemakers and losers, will destabilize our nation," the diplomat added. The PM further claimed that Saakashvili had believed he would be released from prison within a week of being imprisoned and then within two or three months. According to the PM, Saakashvili was making himself believe that he was playing his role so well that everyone would believe that he was either starving or sick, and they would let him out of prison. "Because we are a state of law, and we will not permit anyone, regardless of who they are, to elevate themselves above the law," the PM emphasized that this would not and could not happen. When asked if he is accountable for Saakashvili's health in his capacity as Prime Minister, he responded, "Our lives are entrusted to God, so I cannot be responsible for the lives of any people." "As a sincere human being, I want to wish Saakashvili a long life and good health. When someone passes away, how can anyone be joyful? All efforts are being made and will be made by the state to safeguard the constitutional rights of every prisoner," he said.

Read also:

Irakli Garibashvili on Dependence on Russia, Former Georgian Dream Members, and the European Commission's Recommendations

Irakli Garibashvili on People's Power movement

Garibashvili on Russian Invasion of Georgia's Breakaways, Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations, Russo-Ukrainian War, and Georgia's European Path at UN General Assembly