DISINFO: The West is only supporting Georgia with words, not weapons
SUMMARY
Western support in certain issues is key, for example in the non-recognition policy. However, the West points out that Georgia should not have any more expectations. It is not allowed to supply Georgia with lethal weapons. Although they recognise that Georgia is an occupied country and that Georgia needs weapons to defend itself from the occupiers, they still do not supply Georgia with weapons – they even do not sell them, not to mention giving them for free.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative claiming that the West and strategic partners are not able to defend Georgia. The message aims to promote nihilism towards the West. In fact, In January 2018 Georgia bought Javelin antitank missile system from the US and in August of the same year, Donald Trump signed the Defense Authorization Act that envisages supplying Georgia with lethal military weapons. The EU remains firmly committed to its policy of supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as well as engagement with the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in support of longer-term conflict resolution. Immediately in the wake of the August 2008 hostilities, the EU deployed the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to Georgia, which has been patrolling areas adjacent to the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia day and night. This has reduced tensions and potential risks of escalation and contributed to stability throughout Georgia and in the surrounding region. Currently, EUMM has around 200 monitors working on the ground, and a 24/7 hotline, allowing the parties to the conflict to communicate on security-related issues in order to defuse tensions. See similar disinformation cases here and here.