In his second statement on political developments in the country since his exit from politics, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party and former Prime Minister, stated that certain forces actively tried to drag Georgia into the [Russo-Ukrainian] war, and that this desire is still relevant today, while also claiming that such a threat has now mostly been averted. On July 27, the former Prime Minister said that his unusual speech was given primarily to stop people from speculating on his behalf. He said, "I fully removed myself from the public realm because I did not want my presence to affect the political processes."

Ivanishvili linked his financial problems with the Swiss bank Credit Suisse to pending proceedings in Georgia, although he emphasised that he would rather keep his connection with the bank as a personal matter and avoid involving the public. He also addressed rumours of a possible meeting between Kelly Degnan, US Ambassador to Georgia, and him since the war in Ukraine, insinuating that the Ambassador tried to blackmail him into going to war. Ivanishvili emphasised that despite these challenges, the ruling party worked appropriately, adopted a right and principled stance, and overcame the major hurdle of the first phase of the war threat. Ivanishvili cautioned, however, that some threats remain until the end of the crisis in Ukraine and that both the government and the people must be very attentive for Georgia to finally avoid a terrible war.

Reaction from the opposition

"The campaign from the governing party that the West, the USA, and Europe want to draw Georgia into the conflict and produce slaughter continues," said Giga Bokeria, the head of the "European Georgia" party. "The goal of bringing Georgia back into the free world is incompatible with this campaign and this message," he added.

Giorgi Vashadze, "Strategy Aghmashenebeli" leader, declared, "This letter is proof that there really is an oligarchic government, and it is Bidzina Ivanishvili who determines everything. Second, this letter is proof that the trio [MPs who resigned from Georgian Dream] is his project."

Nika Melia, leader of the United National Movement, said in a Facebook post: "It is a fact of life: Ivanishvili is bargaining with the West about the future of Georgia. Just like that, he has put Georgia up for sale as perished goods." "I spent a pile of money for Georgia not to go to war, I’ve lost millions, and I intended to spend it for your benefit," Melia implied of Ivanishvili's words. He said, "The GD patron didn't say anything about the accusations his loyal servants made against Ambassador Degnan, which shows that he [Ivanishvili] was behind this campaign."

Reaction of the Georgian Dream officials

On July 27, the chairman of the Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, emphasised that the message includes vital facts and messages. "This is unquestionably the case of getting drawn into a conflict. We've discussed this subject frequently; there was a significant risk of getting drawn into the conflict." He emphasised that the Ukrainian government was almost entirely represented by certain parties, lawmakers, and CSOs, and they were lobbyists for political rivals who were actively participating in the war-mongering effort. "As a result, Mr. Bidzina's plea for caution and vigilance, [directed at] both the government and society, is unquestionably pertinent," he added.

Moreover, Vice Speaker Archil Talakvadze asserted that representatives of the opposition United National Movement demanded that Georgia be brought into the war  through a variety of routes at various points. The Vice Speaker emphasised that when Bidzina Ivanishvili was in politics, he prioritised partnership relations with America and the European Union, alluding to the former Prime Minister and founder of the ruling team, Bidzina Ivanishvili's recent statement on political developments.

Reaction from the US Ambassador

Kelly Degnan said, "Let me say it very clearly so that no one has any more questions—there was never any talk about Georgia's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine or about blackmail or actions related to delaying the transfer of money to Mr. Ivanishvili."

As a general rule, we do not discuss personal contacts with the press, but as Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili verified, I last met him on March 21, after which a lot of time has passed. "Our conversations have always been focused on the strategic alliance between the United States and Georgia as well as U.S. initiatives to promote the growth of Georgia's democracy, security, and economy," she added.

She reiterated, "When the United States applies financial restrictions, we declare them openly." The Ambassador emphasised that banks, the media, and the general public may use a searchable list on the Treasury Department's website to see who is susceptible to financial penalties.