“Western propaganda will never say how, through Western grants, it ‘encouraged’ politicians who pursued Western rather than Georgian policies in Georgia, or how they were ‘encouraged’ by Russophobic motives. Come to Russia and find the answers to these questions yourselves,” Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a briefing held on September 15.

According to her, they are pleased that the “visa walls” with Georgia have finally fallen and that air travel has been restored.

“The combination of these two factors creates an opportunity for young Georgians to find an answer to the question: ‘What are our bilateral relations really like and what do they represent?’ — both at the state and societal levels,” Zakharova said.

She said Georgian citizens can travel to Russia and see the “truth” for themselves.

“As they say, the truth is priceless. I do not disagree with that, but this part of the truth can certainly be evaluated. Do you know how much it costs? It costs the price of a ticket from Georgia to Russia. Come and see for yourselves. Talk to our citizens. Go to our theaters, museums and, by the way, restaurants as well. You can even compare where Georgian cuisine tastes better — in Moscow or Tbilisi,” Zakharova said.

According to Zakharova, Georgian citizens can also familiarize themselves with history textbooks in Russia.

“See how respectfully the part related to Georgia and our shared history is taught. You can find the answers for yourselves. What do you need political statements for? Western propaganda is doing everything to make sure you do not believe them. Western propaganda will never say how it provoked the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, which dealt a serious blow to relations between our countries. Western propaganda will never say how, through Western grants, it ‘encouraged’ politicians who pursued Western rather than Georgian policies in Georgia, or how they were ‘encouraged’ by Russophobic motives. Come to Russia and find the answers to these questions yourselves,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.