UK Ambassador Gareth Ward Summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

On 26 February 2026, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Georgia Gareth Ward, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in connection with the inclusion of the Georgian television companies “Imedi” and “POSTV” in the United Kingdom’s sanctions package against the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia requested detailed clarification from the Ambassador regarding the grounds and evidence underpinning the aforementioned decision, which is believed to have been communicated to London from Tbilisi.

It was emphasized that the United Kingdom’s decision is unfounded and constitutes a blatant attack on Georgian society. Particular attention was drawn to the necessity of providing materials supporting the decision.

Maka Botchorishvili stated that the imposition of sanctions by the United Kingdom on Georgian citizens or legal entities undermines the partnership between Georgia and the United Kingdom and does not serve the declared objectives of the sanctions packages.

The Minister underlined that the unfounded sanctioning of Georgian television companies constitutes an attack on media freedom, which is also unacceptable for Georgia, where the free operation of diverse media outlets are safeguarded.

The parties reaffirmed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue on issues pertaining to relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom.