Russia must be contained - its containment must happen in Ukraine, in Moldova, and also in Georgia. 20% of your territory is occupied, and accordingly, Georgia knows better than anyone the price of any compromise with Russia, - this was stated by France's Ambassador to Georgia, Olivier Courteaud, to journalists.

According to him, Europe now represents the main force that is helping Ukraine financially and militarily. This must continue and must be expanded.

“Now, together with the 'Coalition of the Willing,' we are building something innovative that will be important for the future security of Europe and Georgia. That is why, for Europe, there is no Plan B regarding Georgia. With the help of our partners, we will try to anchor this country to our security,” - stated the ambassador.

In response to a question about whether he sees any signs that Georgia is trying to evade the EU's sanctions regime against Russia, the ambassador replied:

“You know, it's like every beautiful Georgian house. It's like every beautiful French house. They are beautiful because there are cracks, there are holes, and we must fill them one by one together with the Georgian authorities - and that is exactly what we are all doing together to prevent sanctions circumvention. In this collective effort, of which Georgia is a part - and which is important and at stake - of course, we see how Russia's economy is slowly crumbling. We see the decline in tax revenues from oil, and this effort is only productive if it is systematic and long-term. This is the only way we can weaken Russia's war machine, and Georgia is clearly part of this effort. We absolutely want Georgia to be even more proactive in this effort, just as we are trying to be. This is a collective effort. It's not about pointing fingers at this or that country; it's about working actively together, because this is our security,” - noted the ambassador.

In response to a question about whether there is any doubt in the West that Georgia is currently helping Russia - given the many statements from the country's partners on this issue - the ambassador replied:

“We hear many statements, but in these matters we must maintain calm and a cool head. Georgia is genuinely cooperating with all Western countries in the effort to prevent any circumvention of sanctions. We will continue working with them to close any gaps if they exist,” - noted the ambassador.