Moscow, October 10, 2024 – The Europe Today: President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday extending Russia’s visa-free regime for Georgian citizens, signaling closer ties between the two countries after years of strained relations.
The new decree, effective from October 10, eliminates the 90-day visa limit for Georgian visitors and abolishes the need for Georgian nationals to obtain work visas. This move builds on the steps taken in May 2023, when Putin lifted a flight ban between Russia and Georgia and introduced a 90-day visa-free regime.
This latest development marks a significant shift in relations since the countries broke off diplomatic ties in 2008 following a brief war over the Georgian separatist territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Moscow recognizes as independent. Despite this history, recent years have seen a gradual warming of relations between Moscow and Tbilisi.
Georgia, however, remains caught between its European aspirations and its complicated relationship with Russia. The country has sought to join both the European Union and NATO, but its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia following the latter’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, along with a controversial domestic law reminiscent of Russia’s “foreign agent” legislation, has strained ties with the West.
The European Union responded on Tuesday by canceling €121 million ($132 million) in aid to Georgia, citing concerns over “democratic backsliding” in the country. Despite these tensions, Russia and Georgia appear to be moving toward a closer economic and political partnership.
