Putin Extends Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Citizens.
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to extend Russia’s visa-free travel policy for Georgian citizens. This decision reflects the growing ties between the two countries in recent years.
In May 2023, Putin lifted a flight ban and allowed Georgian citizens to travel to Russia without a visa for up to 90 days. His latest decree, effective from October 10, removes this 90-day limit and eliminates the requirement for Georgians to obtain a work visa.
This shift comes after a significant change in relations. Georgia and Russia severed diplomatic ties in 2008 following a brief war over separatist territories, which Russia recognizes as independent. Since then, Georgia has aimed to join the European Union (EU) and NATO. However, its relationship with the West has faced challenges. Georgia did not support sanctions against Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, a controversial law passed this year was criticized for being similar to Russia’s “foreign agent” legislation.
On Tuesday, the EU announced it would cancel €121 million ($132 million) in funding for Georgia due to concerns over “democratic backsliding.”
Georgia’s government welcomed Putin’s 2023 decision to lift the flight ban. However, the country’s ceremonial president, Salome Zourabichvili, condemned this action as a “provocation.” As of Thursday afternoon, Zourabichvili had not yet commented on Putin’s recent extension of the visa-free regime for Georgians.
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