We've consistently urged both Georgia and Ukraine to discuss these important issues privately and not in the public, US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan, stated in response to a question regarding the statement of Andrii Kasianov, Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, according to which, Ukraine requested the return of the Buk systems handed over during the 2008 war to the Georgian authorities.

“This is a very sensitive time. Russia is waging a war to take Ukraine's sovereignty and independence away from it. And so there's great stress and pressure on everyone. The United States has asked all of our allies and partners to look to see what they're comfortable doing to support Ukraine. And to do that, Georgia has done many things, especially in the humanitarian area, in the voting in the international fora. And that's what's important that each country determine what they are comfortable doing. I think everyone is very, very aware of the sensitive situation that Georgia is in, because 20% of your territory is occupied by Russia. So that is the context and we would just again urge Russia and urge Georgia and Ukraine to discuss these matters in private”, said the Ambassador.