The UK government has announced the imposition of sanctions against former Attorney General of Georgia Otar Partskhaladze (Romanov) and businessman Levan Vasadze. This decision was made in response to their support for Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine and their collaboration with pro-Kremlin entities. This was reported by the press service of the UK government.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Strengthening Sanction Pressure on Shadow Networks
London emphasizes that the sanctions are aimed at “Georgia-linked supporters of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.” These restrictions are intended to increase pressure on the international network supporting Moscow, which operates through influential individuals and companies in various countries.
Sanctions have been imposed on so-called “hidden supporters of Russia in Georgia.” The restrictions include asset freezes, travel bans to the UK, and sanctions on trust services. These actions are taking place against the backdrop of increasing Russian influence in Georgia.
“As Russia’s military capabilities weaken, the Kremlin is increasingly turning to proxies in third countries, including Georgia, to support its war and propaganda operations,” the statement reads.
Sanctions Against Companies and Tankers
Additionally, two oil tankers that transported Russian oil to the Georgian port of Batumi have been placed under restrictions. The UK government notes that these vessels belong to a “shadow fleet” that the Kremlin uses to circumvent international sanctions on the export of Russian oil.
The new sanctions list also includes the company Aeza International, which provided internet services for Russian disinformation campaigns, as well as HeliCo Group, which operates in the transport sector in Russia and is involved in destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.
According to Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, the UK is cutting off another supply line for the Kremlin, restraining individuals in Georgia who support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He emphasized that London will continue to expose shadow networks that finance the Putin regime.
Sanctions against Levan Vasadze were imposed due to his use of media platforms to spread pro-Russian disinformation. Regarding Otar Partskhaladze, the UK government noted that he has close ties with Russia and the leadership of the ruling party “Georgian Dream.”
Otar Partskhaladze served as the Attorney General of Georgia from November to December 2013. In 2023, the United States also included him on the sanctions list due to the increasing Russian influence in Georgia. It is known that Partskhaladze resides in Moscow, maintains contacts with the Russian political elite, and keeps ties with the “Georgian Dream” government. After the sanctions were imposed, the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, stripped him of his citizenship, and he changed his surname to Partskhaladze-Romanov. On May 9, 2025, he was seen among the guests at the Victory Parade in Red Square in Moscow.
Levan Vasadze, a businessman and leader of the “Eri” movement (“Nation” – “Unity, Essence, Hope”), is known for his ultra-nationalist, homophobic, and pro-Russian statements, as well as his close ties with Kremlin ideologist Alexander Dugin. Previously, Vasadze planned to take an active part in Georgia’s political life but stepped back from politics due to health reasons.
It should be noted that in 2024, the UK already downgraded its relations with Georgia due to the rise of pro-Russian sentiments in the country.