Today marks four years since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. This war has already outlasted the Great Patriotic War in its duration, while in terms of destruction and human suffering it is no different from it, - writes Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia.

As Papuashvili notes, as the President of the United States says, this is a war that should never have started.

However, according to him, even today we see forces that need and benefit from the continuation of this war.

“Today marks four years since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. This war has already surpassed the Great Patriotic War in duration, while in terms of destruction and human pain it is no different from it. The front line is still where it was 80 years ago, and Georgia is experiencing its weight just as it did back then, in the 1940s of the last century. Indeed, as the President of the United States says today, this is a war that should never have started. However, we still see forces that need and benefit from the continuation of this war. When the interests of great powers clash, the heaviest price is paid by the country and the people whose land becomes the battlefield. This war must end as soon as possible. Peace must prevail. The Ukrainian state must survive. A new security architecture must necessarily be based on the principle of respect for sovereignty and national identity. From the very first day of the war's outbreak, Georgia has held precisely this vision and this spirit. We have pursued a policy of peace in the most difficult environment, when those eager for war, through external pressure and internal disruption, tried to drag Georgia into the arc of war's fire. However, we firmly defended our national interests four years ago and firmly defend them today as well. Today, when our region once again faces the threat of new confrontations, for Georgia, steadfastness, unity, and the defense of sovereign choice are not only a political but also a historical necessity. Unfortunately, the war is still close and continues to threaten thousands of lives with death. A formula for peace has still not been found. We pray for peace and for the Ukrainian people. We wish them endurance and the achievement of lasting peace,” - writes Papuashvili.