Imprisoned former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has warned Ukraine against making concessions to Russia to end the war. He drew parallels between the potential political trajectory in Ukraine and events in Georgia, highlighting the role of Bidzina Ivanishvili.

"The wave of defeatism and capitulationism amidst the shelling is blatantly colonialist in nature; it will lead to the establishment of a regime similar to Ivanishvili’s dictatorship in Georgia—a regime aimed at the ultimate surrender of Ukraine to Moscow and its rapid destruction," the former Georgian leader wrote.

Saakashvili cited several factors to support his argument: the exodus of citizens from Georgia, the rising number of Russians purchasing property and opening businesses there, and the country's economic dependence on Russia. He also pointed to the persecution of patriotic politicians and the alteration of historical narratives to align with Russian perspectives.

"Georgians are leaving the country in droves, and Russians are taking their place—moving into homes and opening their own schools and businesses. Georgian history is being rewritten according to Russian templates. Soldiers who defended their homeland against the Russian invasion were wiped out en masse. One by one, patriotic political leaders have ended up in prison on fabricated charges. The economy is entirely dependent on Russia, while all other ties have been severed. Georgia has turned into an economic colony of Moscow," Saakashvili declared.

The politician also compared the pressure being exerted on Ukraine to the events that, in his view, preceded the erosion of Georgian statehood. He urged Ukrainians to stand firm for their independence and not to sacrifice their national dignity.

Saakashvili also recently addressed the residents of Odesa. It is worth recalling that he served as the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration from 2015 to 2016. The former president expressed his support for the city's residents suffering from Russian attacks, urged local authorities to pay greater attention to the construction and outfitting of shelters, and called on citizens not to ignore air raid sirens. He emphasized that he still considers himself an Odesa native—noting that "there is no such thing as a former Odesa resident"—and expressed confidence that, once the war ends, the city will be able to realize its economic potential and become one of the region's most significant centers.

According to Saakashvili, the intensification of Russian attacks signals Russia's weakness on the battlefield. He believes that, faced with setbacks, Russian forces may launch even more brutal strikes, and he urged Ukrainians to continue their resistance.

It was also previously reported that Mikheil Saakashvili is preparing an AI avatar that will allow him to continue his public activities despite his imprisonment. The digital twin is designed to replicate the politician's appearance, voice, and gestures, as well as interact with his supporters and answer their questions. However, the name of the neural network being used and the technical details of the project's implementation have not yet been disclosed.

Mikheil Saakashvili has been in custody in Georgia since October 2021. He is serving sentences for several criminal cases, including the beating of former MP Valery Gelashvili, the pardoning of those convicted of the murder of Sandro Girgvliani, the embezzlement of state funds, and illegal border crossing. With his sentences consolidated, the politician is scheduled to remain in prison until April 1, 2034. In addition, two other trials against the former president are ongoing: one concerning the dispersal of a rally and the raid on the Imedi TV station in 2007, and another regarding alleged calls for the violent overthrow of the government. His prison term could be extended if he is convicted in these cases. Saakashvili considers the prosecution to be politically motivated.