Posted on Oct 29, 2023
Georgians fear influx of migrants from Russia after Ukraine invasion
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Fifteen years after Russia invaded neighboring Georgia, many in the country fear President Vladimir Putin has launched a new "quiet invasion" focused on disinformation campaigns and anti-Western propaganda in an attempt to extend Russia's reach.
Russia seized 20% of Georgia's territory during a five-day battle in 2008, upending the lives of many, including 87-year-old Valya Vanishvili. Though afraid of Russia, the defiant grandmother of four has refused to leave her home in Khurvaleti, a village inside South Ossetia, a breakaway province of Georgia now occupied by Russia. Vanishvili lives in an area choked off by barbed wire and patrolled by Russian soldiers, leaving her to rely on outsiders to get food and medicine.
"What if they take me and detain me? Nobody can help me," Vanishvili said in Georgian. "I am alone. When it's only [a] couple of them, I can always answer them and fight back. But when it's a lot of them, there's nothing I can do."
Russia seized 20% of Georgia's territory during a five-day battle in 2008, upending the lives of many, including 87-year-old Valya Vanishvili. Though afraid of Russia, the defiant grandmother of four has refused to leave her home in Khurvaleti, a village inside South Ossetia, a breakaway province of Georgia now occupied by Russia. Vanishvili lives in an area choked off by barbed wire and patrolled by Russian soldiers, leaving her to rely on outsiders to get food and medicine.
"What if they take me and detain me? Nobody can help me," Vanishvili said in Georgian. "I am alone. When it's only [a] couple of them, I can always answer them and fight back. But when it's a lot of them, there's nothing I can do."
Georgians fear influx of migrants from Russia after Ukraine invasion
Posted from cbsnews.com
Russia
Country of Georgia
Immigration
Ukraine
Posted 7 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Georgia on a precipice
Walls in Georgia are also covered with the flags of Georgia, the European Union, the U.S. and NATO. More than 80% of the Georgian public backs entry into the EU, as does President Zourabichvili, but her position has become increasingly ceremonial as the country moves toward a parliamentary government.
The EU has laid out a list of requirements for Georgia to become part of the EU. The conditions include tackling corruption and lessening the economic and political influence of domestic oligarchs. A decision is expected by the end of the year.
After Zourabichvili went to Europe to try and pave the way for that EU bid, Prime Minister Garibashvili accused her of violating the country's constitution. He banned her from traveling to Europe using public funds and tried, but failed, to impeach her.
Zourabichvili has continued to fly to Europe on her own dime to meet with leaders.
"It will be a big victory for Russia" if Georgia's bid to join the European Union is denied, Zourabichvili said.
Zourabichvili believes Russia is already "testing the ground" in Georgia. Russia has firm military positions inside Georgia's borders and an estimated 8,000 troops manning them. Zourabichvili said that's combined with softer tactics of anti-Western propaganda and political interference.
Thousands of young Georgians, including Ana Tavadze, are part of the movement working toward Georgia's entry into the European Union. Tavadze said many in the government are pro-Russian and uncaring about what most of Georgia wants.
"If Russia wins, it means loss of freedom, loss of everything that we fought for in the past 30 years basically," Tavadze said. "It's a fight for values, for where you want to stand in this big fight for democracy."
..."Georgia on a precipice
Walls in Georgia are also covered with the flags of Georgia, the European Union, the U.S. and NATO. More than 80% of the Georgian public backs entry into the EU, as does President Zourabichvili, but her position has become increasingly ceremonial as the country moves toward a parliamentary government.
The EU has laid out a list of requirements for Georgia to become part of the EU. The conditions include tackling corruption and lessening the economic and political influence of domestic oligarchs. A decision is expected by the end of the year.
After Zourabichvili went to Europe to try and pave the way for that EU bid, Prime Minister Garibashvili accused her of violating the country's constitution. He banned her from traveling to Europe using public funds and tried, but failed, to impeach her.
Zourabichvili has continued to fly to Europe on her own dime to meet with leaders.
"It will be a big victory for Russia" if Georgia's bid to join the European Union is denied, Zourabichvili said.
Zourabichvili believes Russia is already "testing the ground" in Georgia. Russia has firm military positions inside Georgia's borders and an estimated 8,000 troops manning them. Zourabichvili said that's combined with softer tactics of anti-Western propaganda and political interference.
Thousands of young Georgians, including Ana Tavadze, are part of the movement working toward Georgia's entry into the European Union. Tavadze said many in the government are pro-Russian and uncaring about what most of Georgia wants.
"If Russia wins, it means loss of freedom, loss of everything that we fought for in the past 30 years basically," Tavadze said. "It's a fight for values, for where you want to stand in this big fight for democracy."
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