Kathrine Frich
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Georgia has found itself walking a tightrope.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Georgia has found itself walking a tightrope.
Georgia’s delicate position between Russia and Ukraine
Officially, the government has avoided direct confrontation with Moscow, while also trying not to alienate Kyiv and its Western backers.
This balancing act has often sparked criticism from both sides.
Friction with Kyiv grows
In recent months, relations between Georgia and Ukraine have worsened.
Kyiv has accused Tbilisi of being too soft on Russia, while Georgian officials argue that their country must act cautiously to avoid being dragged into the war.
The latest accusations add even more strain to this already fragile relationship.
Arrest of two Ukrainians in Georgia
On Thursday, Georgian authorities announced the arrest of two Ukrainian citizens.
According to the state security service, the men were caught with a significant cache of explosives, which investigators say were meant to be smuggled into Russia.
Discovery of 2.4 kilograms of hexogen
The men’s vehicle, which had entered Georgia from Turkey, was searched. Inside, officials say they found 2.4 kilograms of hexogen, also known as RDX.
RDX is a powerful military-grade explosive widely used in sabotage and terror operations.
“Handed over by Ukraine’s SBU”
The Georgian security service claimed in an official statement that the explosives had been given to the suspects on Ukrainian territory.
They allege Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency recruited the men and organized the handover before they crossed the border.
Planned delivery inside Georgia
According to testimonies cited by Georgian officials, the suspects were meant to transfer the explosives to a contact inside Georgia.
From there, the material would allegedly be transported into Russia, likely for a sabotage mission.
Explosives hidden in Tbilisi
Authorities added that the explosives were supposed to be temporarily hidden inside a residential building in Tbilisi.
This detail has unsettled many locals, who fear their city is becoming a staging ground for covert international operations.
Russia likely to seize on accusations
The Kremlin is expected to use these Georgian allegations as proof that Ukraine operates as a “terrorist state” conducting cross-border missions.
Such narratives feed into Moscow’s propaganda and may complicate Kyiv’s diplomatic standing abroad.
