In Georgia, emotions are running high over the draft Foreign Influence Law. If approved, media and NGOs with more than 20 percent funding from abroad would have to register as agents of foreign influence. Critics say it's similar to Russian legislation used to silence Kremlin critics. Many Russians who've moved to Georgia are concerned about the implications.

Tbilisi

Tensions in Russian-Georgian relations remain high amidst concerns over the draft Foreign Influence Law in Georgia. The proposed legislation, which is being met with strong emotions, mandates media organizations and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as agents of foreign influence. Critics are comparing it to Russian laws that have been used to suppress dissent against the Kremlin. The potential enactment of this law has raised alarms among many, including Russians residing in Georgia, who worry about its implications.

Several Russian nationals, who have found a home in Georgia, shared their experiences and perspectives regarding the current situation. Mark, a Russian who has been living in Georgia for seven years and runs bars in Tbilisi, remarks on the cultural similarities between the two peoples. Despite the challenging political climate, he observes that personal interactions often transcend political disputes, fostering a sense of connection. Vadim and Yevgenia, a Russian-Ukrainian couple working in the information technology sector and residing in Georgia for a year and a half, note that attitudes towards Russians can vary, largely depending on personal behavior.

The background of tensions includes historical conflicts, such as the 2008 war, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, complicating the relationship between the populations of the two countries. Vavara Yesipova, who moved from Russia to Tbilisi nearly 15 years ago, is poised to receive Georgian citizenship. She highlights the support she has received from Georgians, especially those who oppose Russian politics, suggesting that shared values can bridge national divides.

However, not all encounters are positive. Some Georgians express strong opposition to the presence of Russians in Georgia, citing issues of aggression and the painful reminder that 20% of Georgian territory is under Russian occupation. The distinction between the Russian state and its people is a nuanced theme in these interactions, indicating that while political tensions run high, individual relationships can reflect a spectrum of opinions and attitudes.

The future of Russian-Georgian relations hinges on the actions of both governments, suggesting a complex path forward that must reckon with both current challenges and the historical context of these ties.



Tension in Russian-Georgian relations remains high

Mark is Russian but has lived in Georgia for the past seven years. He runs a couple of bars in Tbilisi together with his friends. He says locals treat him well. We have a lot of similarities. I think our cultures, now we have a difficult political process and on this point people are arguing. When they interact with you, they understand that you are a normal person and then there is just a connection. Vadim and Yevgenia are a Russian-Ukrainian couple. They have been living in Georgia for a year and a half. Both work in information technology. It all depends on how Russians behave. Georgia's issues with Russia stem from the 2008 war and the war on Ukraine. The Georgian government is trying to improve things, but many Georgians don't want that. Vavara Yesipova moved to Tbilisi nearly 15 years ago. Soon she will receive her Georgian citizenship. All my friends are Georgian and support Russians who are against the Russian politics now. So if you think in the same way, in the way of freedom, about free society, freedom of speech, so I think here is no problem if you are Russian or another nationality. She also spoke to some Georgians who shared their views about their neighbors to the North. I do not welcome Russians at all. 20% of Georgia is occupied by Russian forces. I work in a service industry and I mostly face aggression from Russians. I am not obliged to speak Russian at work, so when I speak English, I face total aggression from them and sometimes I even get cursed. This is the reason I don't want Russians in Georgia, especially the aggressive ones. Russians must go back home where they belong. What the Russian state is doing is terrible, but I love the people. The people are not the state. The tension in Russian-Georgian relations remains significant, but whether or not it will improve depends largely on steps taken by both countries' governments, Yulia Shapovalova, Al Jazeera, Tbilisi, Georgia.

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