Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has sharply criticized members of the United National Movement (UNM), including former officials such as Temur Iakobashvili and Alexander Lomaia, accusing them of previously claiming to engage in military hostilities against separatist forces while expressing gratitude toward Russia.

"Representatives of the United National Movement—figures like Iakobashvili, Lomaia, and others—have openly stated that they conducted military actions against separatists and even thanked Russia for its role," the Prime Minister said. "Now, the same party is trying to revive that narrative, suggesting once again that they are fighting separatists and portraying Russia in a favorable light. This is the essence of their message—everything else is just the UNM narrative."

Kobakhidze emphasized that Russia continues to occupy 20 percent of Georgia’s sovereign territory and that there is no justification for the invasion or ongoing occupation.

"If we were to launch an offensive into Tskhinvali or Sokhumi tomorrow, it would not be heroism—it would be a reckless and criminal act of betrayal. It would serve no purpose but to provoke further instability and suffering," the Prime Minister warned.

His remarks come as Georgia marks 17 years since the outbreak of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. On August 7, 2008, separatist forces began heavy shelling of Georgian villages in the Tskhinvali region, prompting a military response from Georgia. On August 8, Russian troops crossed into Georgian territory in what was widely condemned as an invasion.

The consequences of the conflict were devastating: 411 people were killed, around 130,000 citizens were displaced, entire villages were destroyed, and the strategic city of Gori was bombed alongside key infrastructure. Russia continues to maintain a military presence in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, violating Georgia’s sovereignty and international law.