There were a lot of discussions as if the number of Russian citizens entering Georgia had increased unprecedentedy. This is not true, in fact, it is much less, Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri told reporters.

According to Vakhtang Gomelauri, more than 20,000 Russian citizens entered Georgia in 13 days from February 24 until today, while in the same period of 2019, the figure was 40,000. According to him, the Georgian side has tightened border controls, therefore up to 180 foreign citizens were not allowed.

"The state border is controlled at a very high level, together with the security service we have the maximum emphasis on security. There were a lot of discussions as if the number of Russian citizens entering Georgia had increased unprecedentedly. This is not true, in fact, it is much less. Compared to 2019-2021, those who entered make up 70% of the figure of that period. From February 24 to date, in 13 days, slightly more than 20,000 people entered, while in the same period in 2019, 40,000 people entered in 13 days. Many of the people who enter are from the North Caucasus - Chechens, Dagestanis, Ingush, etc. Those who are stuck and unable to fly to their own countries, they rent buses in Turkey, come with families and pass directly from the Lars checkpoint. This is also counted as the entry of Russian citizens, although they leave the territory; half of them do not really remain, there are about 3,000 who have entered and have not left yet.

We have tightened control, there were many cases, I can not tell you specific names and surnames, there was talk that the journalist of TV Rain was not allowed in. We refused the entry of 180 people, maybe one of them happened to be a journalist from TV Rain, it is up to the guard, it is not decided by the minister, his deputy, curator, etc. There is a written rule," Vakhtang Gomelauri said.