The introduction of visas for Russians and the restriction of direct flights could be perceived as confrontation. This opinion was shared by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili. Previously, she proposed introducing a visa regime for Russian citizens for a period of three months.

In addition, Zurabishvili noted that the Russian Federation is conducting a hybrid war against Georgia: “The category of hybrid war includes massive Russian immigration, which had a direct impact on the economy and generally increased the country’s dependence on Russian money and markets.”

In turn, the Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Kakha Kaladze, explained the reason for refusing to ban flights with the Russian Federation. “As for stopping flights and joining sanctions, we act based on the interests of our country... We will not and cannot take a step that could harm our country,” Kaladze said.

On March 11, the head of the parliamentary faction of the ruling party of Ukraine, David Arakhamia, said that Ukraine demands that Georgia stop air traffic with Russia in order to normalize relations between Kiev and Tbilisi.