AGP Executive Report

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Marchers marked the 640th day of daily demonstrations, with heavy rain not stopping people from calling for political prisoners’ release and also raising emigration concerns. Kulanin Update: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, remains in Georgia’s Migration Department while expulsion to a third country is processed; he ended a dry hunger strike after his lawyer showed him his passport. Detention in Tbilisi Murder Case: An Armenian citizen was detained over the killing of a Russian man after a supermarket conflict; police say the suspect faces 10–15 years. EU Accession Referendum (Iceland): Iceland rejected restarting EU accession talks, with fish protection cited as the key driver. Sports—Georgian Football: Arsenal reportedly agreed a €4.5m deal for Georgian winger Andria Bartishvili, with a medical in London and a planned 2027 move. Regional Security: Reports say 113,000+ Russians crossed into Georgia in a week amid draft rumors.

Russian Draft Fears Fuel Exodus: Over 113,000 Russians reportedly entered Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint in a week amid fresh mobilization rumors, with more than 20,000 crossing on Aug. 20, as Moscow also pushes contract recruitment and reservist data checks. Deportation Case in Focus: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, is on a dry hunger strike in Georgia’s Migration Department and faces deportation to Russia, while lawyers seek permission to send him to a third country. Protests Continue in Tbilisi: A march marking the 640th day of daily protests focused on political prisoners and emigration, coming after nine pardoned prisoners were released. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International welcomed the pardons but said they are not justice, urging accountability for police abuses and an end to prosecutions of peaceful demonstrators. Tbilisi Crime Investigation: An Armenian citizen was detained over the murder of a Russian in central Tbilisi after a supermarket conflict; police say the suspect used a cold weapon and faces 10–15 years. Abkhaz Blogger Death: Authorities detained a foreign national in connection with the death of Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, charging abandonment in danger after alleged drug use in his apartment. Tourism Push to China: Georgia is expanding tourism marketing in China with Trip.com Group and Ctrip, launching a dedicated Georgia page and aiming to boost direct flight demand through end-2026.

Russian Draft Fears at Verkhny Lars: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly entered Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint over the past week amid rumors of a new mobilization, with over 20,000 crossing on Aug. 20 alone, as Moscow also steps up contract recruitment and reservist data collection. Deportation Row for Anti-War Activist: Russian-born activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, is held at Georgia’s Migration Department and has begun a dry hunger strike while facing deportation to Russia; his lawyers are seeking a third-country option. Human Rights Watchdog Response: Amnesty International welcomed pardons of nine protesters but said it still isn’t justice, urging accountability for police abuses and an end to prosecutions for peaceful assembly. Abkhaz Blogger Death Investigation: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was found dead in Tbilisi; a foreign national has been detained on charges including abandonment in danger, while an independent forensic examination is planned. Tourism Push to China: Georgia is expanding tourism marketing in China with Trip.com Group and Ctrip, including a dedicated Georgia page and plans for more direct flights through end-2026.

Russian arrivals and mobilization fears: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly crossed into Georgia via the Verkhny Lars checkpoint in a week as rumors of a new mobilization wave spread, with some social media users blurring the line between tourists and people relocating to avoid conscription. Human rights row over deportation: Georgia’s planned deportation of Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin after a presidential pardon has sparked criticism, with rights groups warning he could face persecution if sent back to Russia. Protests and pardons: Euro-integration supporters kept up street action in Tbilisi for the 639th straight day, while the president’s pardons continue to free people convicted in earlier protest cases. Modernist landmark demolition: Outcry is growing over the demolition of Tbilisi’s Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall, a modernist complex tied to the city’s 2000s-era skyline. Asbestos concern on Rustaveli Avenue: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, warning of health risks for students starting classes soon. Abkhazia reconciliation figure dies: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, known for reconciliation messages, was found dead in Tbilisi; investigators say there were no initial signs of violence and the case is under review. Sports: Georgia routed Montenegro 101-74 in FIBA World Cup qualifying, with Sandro Mamukelashvili leading the charge.

Mobilization Fears at the Border: More than 113,000 Russians reportedly crossed into Georgia via Verkhny Lars last week as rumors of a new draft swirl, with demand for long-term rentals in Tbilisi and Yerevan rising sharply. Asbestos Risk in the City: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to investigate alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning schools could start amid potential exposure. Human Rights & Deportation: Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin, pardoned by President Mikheil Kavelashvili, has been placed in Georgia’s Migration Department and may face deportation; rights groups warn he could be persecuted if sent to Russia. Deaths Under Investigation: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava was found dead in Tbilisi; authorities opened an investigation under incitement-to-suicide. Separately, divers recovered the body of a missing 15-year-old Azerbaijani teen from the Tbilisi Reservoir. Politics: Kavelashvili pardoned 226 people, including pro-European and anti-government protesters. Sports & Europe: Europa League and Conference League group-stage draws set opponents for Ukrainian clubs, while Rangers’ Georgian winger Vakhtang Tchanturishvili scored in a European exit. Business: Ardshinbank/Arins Group-linked moves are reported around acquiring Georgia’s Terabank and the Biltmore Tbilisi hotel.

Border Modernization: The Asian Development Bank approved a $400 million CAREC regional financing facility to modernize border crossing points, cut transport bottlenecks, and improve movement of people and goods. Protests in Tbilisi: Euro-integration supporters kept up demonstrations for the 638th straight day, with pardons including Fridon Bubuteishvili and reports of arrests tied to protest activity. Government Shake-up: Georgia’s deputy PM and regional development minister Mamuka Mdinaradze announced his resignation and said he is leaving politics. Tbilisi Arts Clash: Protests erupted as Tbilisi’s modernist Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall (“Rike Tubes”) is being demolished despite criticism from architects and locals. Armenia–EU and Regional Ties: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said preparations for an EU membership application are underway, while Ukraine’s Zelenskyy welcomed the move; Armenia also signaled possible electricity imports from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Iran, and Georgia. Sports & Culture: BRAVE CF 108 is set for Croatia with Georgian fighter Lasha Abramishvili on the card, and a deep partial lunar eclipse (“blood moon”) is expected to be visible tonight across Georgia.

Anti-Annexation Push: A new “Anti-Annexation Platform” was launched in Georgia, vowing legal and peaceful opposition to Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and support for displaced people, with founders including former senior officials. Armenia-Georgia Talks: Prime Ministers Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Kobakhidze spoke by phone and agreed Kobakhidze will attend Armenia’s COP17 Leaders’ Summit in October, alongside discussion of broader strategic cooperation. Electricity Cooperation: Pashinyan said Armenia is weighing electricity imports if needed, including from Azerbaijan, and is also discussing options with Georgia, Iran and Türkiye; an EU-funded converter station on the Georgia border is part of the plan. Russia Mobilization Pressure: Ukraine’s President’s Office says Russia may mobilize 600,000 recruits in 2026-27, targeting 300,000 this year and 300,000 next, as contract recruitment slows. Money Flows to Georgia: Ruble deposits in Georgian banks jumped in July amid rumors of renewed Russian mobilization, alongside reports of heavier travel through Upper Lars. Court Closed: The hearing of former SSS deputy chief Levan Akhobadze was moved behind closed doors, with the court citing protection of witnesses’ personal data. Energy Security at Kulevi: Black Sea Petroleum says its Kulevi refinery has switched fully to non-Russian crude as of Aug. 24, with Kazakh and other supplies replacing Russian feedstock. Public Health Warning: Georgia’s Public Defender warned about possible asbestos exposure during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, urging extra care as the school year starts mid-September.

EU Enlargement: Commissioner Marta Kos says the EU will discuss enlargement in October but Georgia is not among countries currently advancing, while opposition figures blame Georgian Dream policy. Protests in Tbilisi: Euro-integration supporters keep demonstrating outside Parliament and City Hall for a 637th straight day, demanding political prisoners’ release and fair elections; one participant was arrested. Offshore-linked assets: Reports say Ivanishvili-linked companies shifted ownership from Luxembourg to his wife, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, raising “offshore flight” concerns. Banking deal: Armenia’s Arins Group is set to acquire Georgia’s Terabank and the Biltmore hotel, pending National Bank approval. Church-state tension in Armenia: Armenia’s PM announced an investigation into a “systemic crisis” in the Armenian Apostolic Church and signals possible leadership changes. Sports & culture: Bibisara Assaubayeva won a rapid title in Saint-Tropez; Georgian and Russian Orthodox churches exchanged hundreds of icons.

EU Enlargement & Georgia’s Place: Opposition MP Grigol Gegelia says Georgia has been pushed out of the EU enlargement agenda, while Georgian Dream MP Archil Gorduladze argues the EU “needs Georgia” as much as Georgia needs it, after Marta Kos again avoided naming Tbilisi. Education Reform Impact: Georgia’s 2026 Unified National Exams show a shift from state to private universities, with overall bachelor enrolment down slightly as state universities lose students. Border & Migration Politics: UNM claims the “Upper Lars” checkpoint is being used to boost Russian tourist and relocant flows; authorities dispute mass entry figures. Regional Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s boxing team trains in Tskaltubo, and its youth badminton squad wins medals at a Batumi tournament; Georgian and Russian Orthodox churches plan an icon exchange. Tbilisi Real Estate: A Soviet-era Mtkvarze nightclub building in Tbilisi is listed for sale. Energy & Trade Corridor: PMCG says the Middle Corridor needs private capital and financial infrastructure to unlock faster, larger trade flows. US-Georgia Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze meets Acting US Ambassador Amy Diaz to reset ties on a roadmap.

Former PM Bribery Case: Prosecutors in Tbilisi say they’ve built a case to charge Irakli Garibashvili with accepting a large bribe tied to Defense Ministry medical tenders for Gori Military Hospital, alleging 750,000 GEL in cash linked to contracts worth about 19 million GEL. Eurointegration Protests: Supporters of Georgia’s EU path kept up demonstrations outside Parliament and the Tbilisi City Council for the 636th straight day, calling for political prisoner releases and free elections, while university teachers warn reforms are damaging education. Armenia-EU Pivot: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan unveiled a 2026–2031 program and “Fourth Republic” vision, saying Yerevan will apply for EU membership before a referendum and reduce dependence on Russia. Regional Security Watch: A weekly military situation brief highlights ongoing tensions across the South Caucasus, as Georgia and neighbors navigate shifting alliances. Sports—Tbilisi Match: Saburtalo Tbilisi host Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying second leg after a 4-0 first-leg lead for the visitors. Energy Prices (US data): GasBuddy reports show Georgia averages easing for premium and midgrade, while diesel remains volatile nationwide.

Georgia-Black Sea Trade: Poti port hit a record 404,760 TEU in the first seven months of 2026, up 7% year-on-year, with July alone setting a monthly high at 65,759 TEU—raising pressure on berths, yards, cranes, and road/rail links feeding the regional corridor. Courts & Prosecution: Prosecutor Ana Lekiashvili says there are “no negotiations whatsoever” on a plea deal with former Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkheidze at this stage. Politics & Allegations: Opposition figure Tazo Datunashvili claims Bidzina Ivanishvili is “locking himself in Georgia” after Co-Investment Fund assets were re-registered in the name of Ivanishvili’s wife, Ekaterine Khvedelidze. Security & Crime: Georgian police seized up to 33 kg of drugs in Rustavi, with authorities valuing the haul at about 6 million GEL. International Spotlight: A Moscow court arrested Georgia-based blogger Nikolai Levshitz in absentia over alleged “fake news” about the Russian army. Business: AGE S.A. announced a binding deal to acquire Terabank and the Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel, pending regulatory approvals. Regional Mobility: Over 113,000 people crossed the Russian-Georgian border via Verkhny Lars in one week, with Russia-linked travel flows again drawing attention.

U.S. Immigration Ruling: A New York federal court struck down Trump-era visa suspension for citizens of 75 countries, including Georgia and Armenia, saying the blanket ban was “clearly unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s power. Georgia Politics: Prosecutors have charged former Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili with a new bribe-related accusation tied to secret Defense Ministry procurements, adding to his existing legal troubles. Regional Security: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan reiterated Armenia will not activate CSTO cooperation and welcomed any move to expel Yerevan, while UN Security Council members again urged Russia to withdraw from occupied Georgian regions. Protests in Tbilisi: On Ukraine’s Independence Day, demonstrators marched near the Ukrainian embassy and to Taras Shevchenko’s monument, calling for Eurointegration and opposing the “Georgian Dream” course. Ukraine Diplomacy: Kyiv hosted a summit of first ladies and gentlemen on resilience, led by Olena Zelenska, as part of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day events. Armenia-Earthquake: A magnitude 2.9 quake in Georgia was felt in Armenia’s Lori and Shirak regions.

Rustaveli Avenue Watch: Tbilisi City Hall fined Smart Solutions ₾5,000 for not keeping Rustaveli Avenue construction running 24/7, hitting the same violation multiple times despite three ₾20 million contracts. EU Sanctions Line: Georgia says it will not join the EU’s latest Iran sanctions, arguing any international steps must match national interests. Ukraine Ties: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day, stressing “historic friendship” as relations remain strained over the Russia-Ukraine war. Armenia Transit Plan: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan pushed TRIPP in parliament, saying the railway route via southern Armenia and Azerbaijan will help lift the blockade as Georgia’s Azerbaijani rail corridor has been open since late 2025. US Visa Ruling: A New York federal court struck down a Trump-era suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Armenia and Georgia, though consular re-evaluation is still required. Armenia Migration Numbers: Armenia reported a 59% jump in residence permits in the first half of 2026, with Russians prominent among recipients. Human Rights in Batumi: A Chechen trans man was found dead in Batumi; authorities investigate as suicide, while his brother says he was murdered due to gender identity. Crypto Compliance: Binance halted transactions with 17 crypto platforms, including several linked to Georgia, citing regulatory developments.

Protest Watch: Demonstrators in Tbilisi and Batumi marked the 634th straight day of rallies against “Georgian Dream,” calling for EU integration, new parliamentary elections, and the release of political prisoners. Border & Mobility: Georgia’s Interior Ministry denied claims that 20,000 Russians crossed via Upper Lars in a day, while reports say Russians keep seeking to leave amid mobilization fears. Russia Pressure on Media: Georgian-based journalist Nikolai Levshits was sentenced in absentia in Moscow over alleged “fakes” about the Russian army. EU & Regional Politics: Georgia’s government again rejected joining new EU sanctions on Iran, citing national interests, as regional diplomacy continues to shift. Energy & Trade: Multiple reports point to Georgia increasing fuel imports from Azerbaijan, reshaping the South Caucasus energy map. International Courts: A US judge overturned Trump-era immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Local Safety: Police in Tbilisi seized up to 4 kg of Alpha-PVP.

US Courts vs Trump Visa Freeze: A New York federal judge struck down the Trump-era suspension of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Moldova, saying the blanket ban violated US law and required case-by-case screening. Georgia Protests: In Tbilisi, pro–Euro-integration demonstrators marked day 633 of daily protests, again demanding new parliamentary elections, a return to the EU path, and the release of prisoners. Russia Migration Crackdown: Russia is expanding the “Amina” app to force foreign residents to share location data, with missing geodata risking removal from migration registers. Energy & Security: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, prompting new cybersecurity guidance for energy firms. Georgia Energy Pivot: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to shift away from Russian crude as EU sanctions pressure grows, with imports from Kazakhstan appearing for the first time. Sports & Culture: Arsenal Women beat Paris FC 1-0 in a pre-season friendly; Ukrainian judokas won two medals at the Cadet Worlds in Guayaquil.

US Courts vs Trump Immigration: A New York judge struck down the Trump-era suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries, saying it was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority—Georgia is on the list. Tbilisi Protests: On the 633rd day of daily demonstrations, pro–Euro-integration marchers in Tbilisi and other cities again demanded new parliamentary elections, a return to EU course, and the release of prisoners, arguing “Georgian Dream” policies drive people abroad. EU-Iran Line: Georgia says it will not join the EU’s latest Iran sanctions, arguing decisions must follow Georgia’s national interests. Cybersecurity Shock: Reports say Iran-linked hackers shut down a UK power plant for four days, highlighting ongoing threats to critical infrastructure. Culture in Batumi: “Night Serenades 2026” has moved to Batumi for concerts on Aug. 21, 23 and 25, marking the 80th anniversary of violinist Liana Isakadze. Regional Trade: Another shipment of Russian grain and propane is reported moving to Armenia via Azerbaijan and Georgia as direct rail links remain disrupted.