Excited to share my latest for @meduzaproject:
"There are no angels in politics — especially not in Georgia."
At the heart of Georgia’s volatile political crossroads stands a figure as complex as the nation itself — President Salome Zourabichvili.
https://t.co/Tf2VETEw9p
📌 Georgian Dream has adopted the unauthorised grants ban package in all three readings. The bill was reviewed under an expedited procedure and approved within two days. The law will enter into force immediately upon being signed by illegitimate president Mikheil Kavelashvili.
📌 According to the new law, donors who are willing to give grants to organizations will be required to obtain approval from the government or an authorised person/body.
📌 Using grant funds for purposes other than those specified in the grant agreement will be considered as violation of the law.
📌 The law also applies to “funds transferred free of charge in cash or in kind that, by their nature, constitute a grant but are issued on the basis of fictitious, deceptive, or otherwise improper arrangements not defined by law.”
📌 Receiving a grant without the required approval is prohibited. Accepting a grant without the government’s approval will cause the recipient to be fined double the amount of the grant.
In 2013, Ukraine was neutral:
🔹 60% of Ukrainians opposed NATO membership, and NATO wasn’t interested in accepting.
🔹 82% had a positive view of Russia
🔹 Only 6,000 troops were combat-ready
🔹 Euromaidan was about the EU, not NATO - even pro-Russian Yanukovych saw Russia’s limits
No 'NATO expansion threat'. No anti-Russian sentiment. Yet in 2014, Russia invaded, annexed Crimea, and started the war in Donbas.
It was never about NATO—it was about control.
A ‘march of mothers’ to mark today’s Mother’s Day is heading toward the Georgian Parliament as part of the ongoing anti-government protests. Chants of ‘Hands off, that’s my kid!’, ‘Unjust court, fear the power of the people!’ and more can be heard.
“Ukrainians didn’t choose this war. But they are choosing to fight it. Not just for their freedom, but for a future were children won’t know the sound of sirens.”
UNITED24 Ambassador, @TimothyDSnyder recorded a message to the world from the heart of Kyiv💙💛
Thank you, Timothy!
Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine. And may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
#SupportUkraine
if you follow #Georgia, you have heard about the beatings in especially designated mini-vans -- not in the heat of an arrest or maybe subduing, but afterwards, deliberate & systematic.
And here you can see this for yourself, as it happened this evening by Tbilisi Mall. In four parts.
Here you see just after arrest. 1/
1/ Geo Freedom Fighters in Chains 🚨
We need journalists & human rights NGOs to act. Speak out, issue statements, demand their release. A public outcry can save lives. If you can write, publish, or amplify stories, step up. I'll provide research, evidence & support to help you.
In a bold rejection of Russia’s efforts to sustain energy dominance in the region, @LithuaniaMFA, @Latvia_USA, and @MFAestonia are now less than two weeks away from decoupling from the Soviet-era grid.
🇬🇪 The Georgian people have chosen a future that is free, democratic, and part of Euro-Atlantic institutions.
We have a responsibility to support them as they pursue this reality, especially as they face 🇷🇺 interference and erosion of democracy at home.
🧵
On this day, 23. August 1939, 8⃣5⃣ years ago the Soviet Union & Nazi Germany made a deal by signing the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.
They called it a non-aggression pact, which was a lie.
It had a secret protocol to divide #Europe between them & unleash horrific aggression.
1/7
🇬🇪Inside Georgian Dream's disinformation machine, powered by Russian 🇷🇺 digital experts. How fake news, fake accounts, and cross-platform manipulation keep a pro-Russian agenda alive in Georgia.
🧵Let's dive in this breaking news.
1/23
Secretary Blinken announced a pause in $95 million of U.S. aid to the Georgian government due to its anti-democratic actions.
The U.S. will still support programs benefiting the Georgian people and remains committed to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.