By distancing itself from Europe and deepening its partnership with Russia, Georgian Dream now has the freedom to engage in corruption and repression without accountability—just like their senior partner in Moscow does, said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission (Republican), during a congressional hearing on Ukraine, where he also touched on the issue of Georgia.

"Georgian Dream has halted the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration path—I would add, tragically. By distancing itself from Europe and strengthening ties with Russia, Georgian Dream has gained the freedom to participate in corruption and repression without consequences, exactly as their senior partner in Moscow does," the senator stated.