Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the United States of “provocative events” that led to the severance of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia. 

“This is largely a trial step. If now Georgia and its people succumb to this “blackmail,” they will demonstrate that anything can be done with them,” Zakharova said. According to her, unlike Westerners, threats and blackmail are not Russia’s method. 

“We are building ties based on the fundamental interests of both peoples – Russian and Georgian,” she said.

Meanwhile, the US Senate is preparing a bill on sanctions against Georgian politicians responsible for the adoption of the law on foreign agents. The document provides for visa restrictions and other sanctions against Georgian politicians who “hindered the Euro-Atlantic integration” of the country and were convicted of corruption and human rights violations. In particular, it talks about freezing the assets of Georgian politicians who supported the law on “foreign agents,” as well as a ban on them and their family members receiving visas.