In light of the war in Ukraine, “Interpressnews” has invited Levan Dolidze, former ambassador of Georgia to NATO and the founder of the Georgian Center for Strategy and Development (GCSD), to discuss Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives.

- Mr. Levan, President Zelensky made sound statements during his speech at the Verkhovna Rada. He noticed that Ukraine’s victory in the war could guarantee security and lead to the restoration of territorial integrity in Moldova and Georgia. Several Georgian politicians have also shared their thoughts on the topic recently. However, thematic discussions occasionally produce controversial, mutually exclusive, and ambiguous comments. What’s your take on Zelensky’s affirmations?

- Ukraine’s victory in the war and the subsequent neutralization of the Russian threat will inevitably have a positive impact on the security environment in the region and trigger positive processes, including regarding the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity. Yet, political statements about territorial integrity that have been made or will in the future require extra care and attention. Assessments motivated by narrow political interests must not promote the narratives and perceptions within the population of occupied territories that the Russian Federation has attempted to sow for decades.

“Ukraine’s victory in the war and the subsequent neutralization of the Russian threat will inevitably have a positive impact on the security environment in the region and trigger positive processes, including regarding the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity.”

Contrary to cultivating more fear in occupied territories, the most rational thing we can do now is to rebuild trust and make more progress on every front, including European integration. Furthermore, it is essential to effectively communicate the benefits of European integration as a process, making living in a unified country more attractive to the population of occupied territories.

Therefore, I believe it is erroneous to suggest that Georgia should not expedite its efforts to receive candidate status. Given the potential developments in Russia, influential groups in Abkhazia and Samachablo might alter their rigid position towards us on crucial matters.

“It is erroneous to suggest that Georgia should not expedite its efforts to receive candidate status. Given the potential developments in Russia, influential groups in Abkhazia and Samachablo might alter their rigid position towards us on crucial matters.”

Of course, we should not consider the process easy. However, we must also be mindful of our level of economic development, democracy, and the pursuit of our European aspirations when the opportune moment arrives. Therefore, I think receiving EU candidate status may become one of the contributing factors in the process of solving our territorial problems.

“receiving EU candidate status may become one of the contributing factors in the process of solving our territorial problems”

- We’ve heard quite a few times that candidate status does not matter. Take Türkiye for example, which has had it for more than 30 years now. What do you think about it? First and foremost, I will note that our strategic goal is not candidacy or membership of any organization, but the restoration of territorial integrity, protection of sovereignty, and provision of peaceful and safe development. Therefore, European and Euro-Atlantic integration have been defined as means on the international stage to achieve said strategic goals decades ago. It is also confirmed in every government conceptual document in Georgia that focuses on the country’s foreign political priorities, as it is the only right choice. Of course, our foreign vector derives from centuries-old historical context and the mutual values with Christian civilization. Furthermore, receiving a European perspective is also vital, as it has formally discarded the questions about our geography, European identity, and made Georgia part of the EU enlargement policy.

“Receiving a European perspective is also vital, as it has formally discarded the questions about our geography, European identity, and made Georgia part of the EU enlargement policy.”

The candidate status is a mandatory component of EU accession. Therefore,questioningthe importance of the candidate statusalso questions our intention of joining the EU. As I’ve previously explained, we can not continue our European journey without receiving candidacy.

“Questioning the importance of the candidate status also questions our intention of joining the EU. As I’ve previously explained, we can not continue our European journey without receiving candidacy.”

I don’t necessarily consider the example of Turkey relevant to our situation. Among many factors, in the light of Russo-Ukrainian war-derived reality, receiving this status together with Ukraine and Moldova, is a means of maintaining and establishing a position in the integration process of the Black Sea countries, which is more important than just one single, yet another important step.

- What are your expectations before the summit?; How can the recent developments in Russia (the events which, according to many experts, puts the weakness of Putin’s regime on international display) affect the decisions made during the meeting?; Do you expect that the processes in Russia will haste NATO’s invitation to Ukraine?; What goals should Georgia have before the summit, and how ready are we? What expectations can we have? The last week has once again displayed the challenges the Russian Federation faces. It will gradually affect the frontline in the Russian-Ukrainian war, a vital factor in NATO’s decision-making regarding Ukraine. However, I do not think the recent events in Russia will become a definitive factor for NATO to invite Ukraine.

I expect to hear statements during the summit regarding military assistance to Ukraine and the steps necessary to guarantee its security in the future. Also, the alliance members will voice strong messages about the country's strong relationship with NATO and its accession.

“I expect to hear statements during the summit regarding military assistance to Ukraine and the steps necessary to guarantee its security in the future. Also, the alliance members will voice strong messages about the country's strong relationship with NATO and its accession.”

Now we see the West’s visibly changed position towards Russia and NATO’s eastern European members. The indicator of this is providing military assistance to Ukraine in the war against Russia, but the moment for NATO to decide in favor of eastern enlargement has not come yet, but the developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war will have a critical contribution.

“The moment for NATO to decide in favor of eastern enlargement has not come yet, but the developments in the Russo-Ukrainian war will have a critical contribution.”

As for Georgia, considering the challenges facing the country, the main goal for this summit should be decisions aimed at avoiding additional threats from Russia and strengthening our defense mechanisms in coordination with strategic partners; also, removing all existing formal barriers to membership and preparing decisions that will allow us to receive a security umbrella at the earliest opportunity

Moreover, such objectives require every state, government, and civilian segment to maximize consolidation and take specific strategy-based steps both inside the country and outside of it.

Where are in a position where goal-oriented, active, high-level political communication with strategic partners is of particular importance.

“the main goal for this summit should be decisions aimed at avoiding additional threats from Russia and strengthening our defense mechanisms in coordination with strategic partners.”

As for the expectations, I think - along with the supportive messages that the Alliance traditionally voices towards Georgia, NATO will most likely confirm its commitment to the decision of Bucharest on Georgia's accession. Considering the existing reality, including the factors mentioned above, it will be difficult for me to make predictions in other directions. - What purpose do you think Putin’s yesterday’s announcement and steps concerning Wagner served? How will the attempted insurgency affect Putin’s future? Putin attempted to address all insurgency-revealed weaknesses in his statements - the inefficiency of the security system, the military resource shortages, and the lack of civilian support during the war.

Of course, the audience was the Russian population, and it is hard to evaluate what effect the statements could have had. However, the question about undefeatability was damaging, and the situation and the narrative had contrast, which was visible to the Russian citizens. I think the propaganda attempt would be less efficient than before.

I think the statements and the poor artistry convinced the people who have been carefully observing the insurgency that despite Putin's attempt to hide the challenges, they do exist. I think it is highly likely, that showing such weakness will have an irreversible impact. Of course, Putin’s future largely depends on the war outcome. At the same time, it’s becoming clear that by starting the war, the Russian Federation entered a cycle, and they will come back from it heavily damaged.

“Of course, Putin’s future largely depends on the war outcome. At the same time, it’s becoming clear that by starting the war, the Russian Federation entered a cycle, and they will come back from it heavily damaged.”

It is well-known that Putin has always opposed NATO enlargement, but "thanks" to this war, he "gained" an additional 1400 km border with the alliance. His actual objective was to undermine the unity of the organization and the West, but instead, he faced unprecedented unanimity among the free world against him. Signs of his declining influence can be observed in various regions, including Central Asia, and this is just a part of the severe problems Russia now faces regarding its foreign policy goals. Putin also mentioned the necessity to demilitarize Ukraine, but now he has to confront a highly equipped Ukraine on the frontlines. The most crucial aspect is that Western leaders have realized that supporting Ukraine in achieving its goals in relation to Russia is in their strategic interest. Because civilian support for Putin is based on the perception of his invincibility and the myth of global influence, it is evident that displaying weakness in this aspect puts the regime at serious risk. It is also important to note that in the West, this process is viewed not only as an opportunity but also as a risk. The fear is that a cornered regime may take irrational steps and pose a significant threat to the Euro-Atlantic alliance. That's why the West is taking steps and exercising extra caution in all areas, including its enlargement policy. - During the revolt, numerous calls have been made by the opposition, which has not been considered [by the government], and they have become the basis for political allegations. How would you evaluate the government's reaction to the events that unfolded in Russia? Do you share the recommendations that the opposition gave in recent days? When facing such a crisis, the government's primary responsibility is to devise potential scenario developments and determine how to respond. The government should effectively communicate with the population and instill confidence that the government has everything under control.

When the government remains silent during a crisis, it creates an information vacuum, often filled with alternative information, evaluations, and perceptions. It can lead to confusion or panic among the population.

In such situations, it is essential for a representative associated with a state institution, rather than a party representative, to communicate with civilians.

“When the government remains silent during a crisis, it creates an information vacuum, often filled with alternative information, evaluations, and perceptions. It can lead to con fusion or panic among the population.”

Interestingly, several false and exaggerated evaluations have been shared by the opposition. When a neighboring country that at the same time has our territories occupied has a military revolt going, and there’s a chance for military escalation, it is crucial to strengthen border control and at least give recommendations to the citizens of Georgia who are currently in the country [Russia] or are planning to travel.

This crisis has again shown that we have many challenges which require relevant attention. Furthermore, dialogue and coordination between the opposition and the government on security matters is necessary.

“This crisis has again shown that we have many challenges which require relevant attention. Furthermore, dialogue and coordination between the opposition and the government on security matters is necessary.”

Our challenges do not require radical political process. Instead, the maximum consolidation of government, political and civilian specter is essential.

Our recent history suggests that internal political disputes have led us to numerous tragic mistakes, including the inability to seize past opportunities. We should not repeat our mistakes.

“Interpressnews”

Koba Bendeliani