On February 25, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili warned against the risk of history repeating itself, referring to the 1921 occupation of Georgia by Soviet Russia, during a rally on Rustaveli Avenue marking the 90th day of pro-democracy and pro-EU protests.

Speaking at the demonstration—coinciding with the 104th anniversary of the Russian invasion that led to Georgia’s sovietization—Zourabichvili recalled how the Russian Red Army invaded Tbilisi after days of heavy fighting. She drew a parallel between past and present Russian disinformation tactics, emphasizing that Russia continues to pursue aggressive policies under the guise of peaceful intentions.

"We are standing here to ensure that 1921 does not repeat itself," she declared. "We must not allow another Russian occupation to happen." She stressed that the resilience of those who fought the Red Army in 1921 remains a source of inspiration for modern-day Georgians and reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to its future, independence, and European path.

Zourabichvili told protesters that the legacy of those who fell on February 25, 1921, lives on through their resistance. She criticized the GD-led government, stating that it had tried "everything—water cannons, rubber bullets, violence, insults"—yet demonstrators remained steadfast.

"Mzia Amaghlobeli is standing, Temur Katamadze is standing, all the prisoners are standing, and they will continue to stand as long as we are all standing here!" she proclaimed.

The president underscored that despite Russia's ongoing war, occupation, abductions, and economic pressure, Georgia had not abandoned its European path, independence, or freedom. "And we will not surrender them to this internal Russian regime," she added.

Turning her attention to the Georgian Dream government, Zourabichvili accused it of mismanagement, particularly criticizing its response to the snowstorm in western Georgia. She argued that while authorities deployed law enforcement against demonstrators, they failed to assist citizens in disaster-affected areas.

"But when people need help and protection, they are nowhere to be found. This is not a government—it is a regime," she said.

Zourabichvili described the current administration as a "Russian regime turned into a repression machine," citing repressive laws and actions in recent months. She reiterated that the only peaceful solution to Georgia’s political crisis is to hold new elections, emphasizing growing international support for this approach.

Confident that elections were inevitable, Zourabichvili promised to present a document outlining the electoral process in the coming days. She called for the mobilization of international observers and new election commission members to prevent potential vote-rigging.

"Together, we must overcome this fraud and prevail over it," she concluded.