The claim that "no one is asking Georgia to open a second front" is just rhetoric, because the facts say otherwise, - this is how Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili assesses the statement by the United Kingdom's Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, that "no one is asking Georgia to open a second front."

As Shalva Papuashvili writes on his Facebook page, "Sacrificing others for one's own interests is wrong and unfair, especially when you know that sacrifice for escalation will lead to war."

"On the fourth anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, the British Ambassador demands that Georgia impose sanctions on Russia. It must be clearly stated that imposing sanctions means escalation with Russia. Escalation means war, in which we would be alone. Sometimes, to provoke war, throwing stones is not necessary - insults are enough. We have seen this movie more than once: what following others' advice has brought. Four years ago, from the very first days of the war's outbreak, it was firmly and clearly stated that imposing sanctions on Russia does not fall within Georgia's national interests, and Georgia has no apology to make to anyone for this. Britain's interest is the interest of the British people, not the Georgian people. The claim that 'no one is asking Georgia to open a second front' is just rhetoric, because the facts say otherwise. Sacrificing others for one's own interests is wrong and unfair. Especially when you know that sacrifice for escalation will lead to war," - writes Shalva Papuashvili on social media.

For information: The United Kingdom's Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, stated that "no one is asking Georgia to open a second front, and this is disinformation." According to him, Georgia can play its role by joining European sanctions.

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a very relevant and important issue for Georgia. We know that 20% of Georgia's territories are also occupied by Russia. We know about Russia's illegal actions; its troops remain on Georgian territory. Therefore, I think the most important issue here is how Georgia can support Ukraine. Here I want to say very clearly that no one is asking Georgia to open a second front. This is disinformation. We are saying that Georgia can play its role by joining European sanctions and ensuring that Russia has no access to military materials and no revenue from its oil and gas. This is the key message I have in relation to Georgia," - stated the United Kingdom's Ambassador.