Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called for what he described as the early prevention of Russophobia in Georgia, arguing that hostility toward Russians is incompatible with what he considers the country’s traditions of tolerance and hospitality.

Speaking during a televised discussion on Rustavi 2 on September 15, Kobakhidze placed Russophobia within the broader category of xenophobia and argued that such attitudes should not be allowed to take root in Georgian society.

Kobakhidze maintained that Georgia is known for its openness toward foreigners and that hostility based on nationality does not fit that tradition. Georgian Prime Minister also alleged that foreign forces are deliberately encouraging anti-Russian sentiment in Georgia in order to create political and economic difficulties for the country.

Kobakhidze linked the issue to what he framed as efforts to use Russophobia as a political instrument. He claimed that publicly rejecting the term itself would not address the underlying problem if anti-Russian sentiment continues to be promoted.

Kobakhidze’s comments form part of the Georgian government’s broader criticism of what it portrays as attempts by external actors to influence the country’s domestic political environment and relations with Russia. He has previously accused opposition forces of trying to draw Georgia into confrontation with Moscow and has repeatedly presented the government’s approach as pragmatic and focused on avoiding another conflict.