Russia is winning the battle for influence in Georgia against the E.U. – The Washington Post

Source link : https://europ.info/2025/12/28/russia-is-winning-the-battle-for-influence-in-georgia-against-the-e-u-the-washington-post/

Russia is steadily expanding its foothold in Georgia, challenging the European Union’s long-standing efforts to assert influence in the strategically significant Caucasus nation. Despite years of diplomatic engagement and investment by the EU, Moscow’s combination of political pressure, economic leverage, and cultural ties is reshaping Georgia’s geopolitical landscape in its favor. This shift signals a notable realignment in a region where East meets West, raising concerns among Western capitals about the future trajectory of Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations.

Russia Expands Strategic foothold in Georgia as EU Struggles to Counter Influence

Recent developments reveal a marked intensification of Moscow’s efforts to deepen its presence within Georgia’s geopolitical landscape. Utilizing a blend of economic incentives, covert political maneuvering, and military posturing, Russia is steadily fortifying its foothold, particularly in contested border regions. This strategic encroachment undermines Tbilisi’s aspirations of Euro-Atlantic integration, exploiting the EU’s current diplomatic inertia and internal divisions among member states. Analysts highlight that Moscow’s approach is multifaceted, emphasizing soft power mechanisms such as targeted investments in critical infrastructure and energy sectors, alongside the maintenance of a persistent military presence just beyond Georgia’s borders.

The EU’s attempts at countering this influence…

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Author : Ethan Riley

Publish date : 2025-12-28 01:09:00

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