In Georgia, pro-Russian NGOs intensify their activities; local experts explain that fact by Moscow's interference

In Georgia, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused a surge of pro-Russian statements. In March, pro-Russian NGOs held several actions. Every time, those activities were opposed by local forces that expressed their support to the new Ukrainian authorities. However, the pro-Russian NGOs have not reach consensus on the attitude to the events in Ukraine. Local experts do not rule out that in Georgia, the actions of supporters of Russian policy are held with the direct support of Moscow.

The Georgian NGOs "Russian Club" and "Eurasian Institute" do not voice categorical opinions about what country Crimea should join. However, Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, the head of the "Eurasian Institute", expresses his antipathy towards the actions of the new Ukrainian authorities, since they were supported by Mikhail Saakashvili, former President of Georgia.

The pro-Russian NGOs claim that they are supported by the majority of the Georgian population and that only two organizations NGO "Free Zone" and "United National Movement" (UNM) play against them.

The most radical position is held by the coalition "Eurasian Choice Georgia". Archil Chkoidze, one of the leaders of the coalition, explicitly states that "Crimea should be a part of Russia."

In Georgia, most political forces oppose Russia and support the current Ukrainian authorities. This opinion was expressed by Gela Vasadze, a political analyst, one of the leaders of the "Free Zone". According to him, the main opposition to pro-Russian NGOs is groundlessly attributed to his organization.