A new conflict is erupting between Georgia and Ukraine over possible transit of goods for the Russian army

"EVROPEYSKA PRAVDA" - TUESDAY, 5 APRIL 2022, 10:48

Georgia has rejected statements by Ukraine's Chief Intelligence Directorate that the Russians are establishing channels for smuggling goods under sanction through Georgian territory.

In particular, according to the Ukrainian Chief Intelligence Directorate, representatives of the Georgian special services were instructed by the political leadership not to interfere with the activities of smugglers.

"To circumvent the sanctions, Russian agents are setting up smuggling channels, including, in particular, ones that pass through Georgia. At the same time, representatives of the Georgian special services have been instructed by the political leadership not to interfere with smugglers," the Intelligence Directorate said.

"Today we know about another source of supply of military goods to Russia - East Asia. Through that region, the occupying country is receiving supplies of spare parts for military equipment, electronics and optical devices," said Ukrainian Intelligence.

According to Georgia Online, the Georgian Ministry of Finance called such an accusation absurd and baseless.

"Since the first days of the international community's sanctions against the Russian Federation, Georgia has been closely monitoring all customs checkpoints in the country and monitoring imports and exports from the country. The Ministry of Finance of Georgia responsibly declares that all types of goods, both military and dual-use, as well as all goods included on the sanctions list, are subject to strict customs control by the Georgian authorities," the Georgian Finance Ministry said.

The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, called the statements made by Ukrainian Intelligence a lie.

"Simply put, this is a lie! Such misinformation from a partner country, especially in these circumstances, is absolutely unacceptable," Papuashvili said.

The Ministry of Finance of Georgia promises to continue to control the import and export of goods from the country and to exchange relevant information with partner countries.

It should be remembered that Georgia is adamant in its decision not to join economic sanctions against Russia.