Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov believes that Georgia's leadership is aware of the potential damage from the country's accession to the EU.

"Georgia's current leaders, being pragmatists, declare their desire for EU membership, but they also understand that such integration could lead to Georgia losing its status as a country renowned for its agricultural products," Lavrov noted on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

According to the minister, any country that is a significant player in the agricultural market faces a loss of its competitive advantages upon joining the EU.

Lavrov also emphasized that 70% of Georgia's trade turnover is currently with Russia and the CIS countries. He asserted that this aspect would be jeopardized if Tbilisi decides to join the EU. The minister recalled the strict requirements Brussels imposes on new members, including the requirement to join the sanctions regime against Russia. He cited Armenia as an example, claiming that it too faced an "either-or" choice with the EU.

Recall that in February, Georgian Foreign Minister Macha Bochorishvili stated that the country did not plan to impose sanctions against Russia, as such a move would primarily negatively impact Georgia itself.