The sad thing is the EU cannot do much beyond using economic instruments against the current illegitimate government, add travel bans. And remove economic support for Georgia, But this has already been implemented. Any intervention would lead to war with Russia....
But if we can help the people of Georgia, it will help Ukraine, too- and the people of Romania, Moldova... by distracting Russia and by inspiring everyone. I would love to see funding drives for protective clothing, lawyers, fireworks- whatever Georgians say they need for their Winer On Fire.
Will sanctions have any effect, enough to make a difference in this acute situation? Any kind of intervention is of course totally impossible, so I'm afraid there isn't a whole lot we can do, except support the protesters as much as possible.
Whether or not they will be hugely impactful towards the goal of removing Russian assets is beside the question. The sanctions need to be there. In force. Swiftly. For the sake of EU politicians and citizens having to look themselves in the mirror occasionally.
I guess the question is if powerful sanctions, in line with those we have against Russia or Belarus for instance, will make the Georgian Dream change their ways or make them join the Russian sphere even faster than what is already happening.
I do hope that you are not implying the EU abstain strong reactions in case some of the patently corrupt Russian assets become upset? I think they are already moving ahead towards Russki Mir at maximum speed anyway.
Well. Sitting on your hands will help them exactly nil points. That is a given. Pretending that they can be reasoned with is probably a net negative. My pretty uneducated guesses.
Comments
Nobody is going to send military forces or aid to Georgia.
But they could help bring about Russia's collapse with sanctions or additional military aid to Ukraine.
Then Georgia as well would be free
Georgia is Europe
nice words, maybe some promises they never keep..
like in 1956 or 1968..
the so-called "western democracies" don't give a flying fuck about their future..
business as usual..