Georgia Denies Reports of Closing Border to Russians Starting Monday

Georgia has denied reports that it will close its border to Russian citizens starting Monday, according to Новости-Грузия.

The government stated that it will not comment on the alleged partial closure of the border for Russian citizens, adding that they have "nothing to add to previous statements." This response came after a request to comment on a statement made by an opposition MP.

Rumors began to circulate after MP Nona Mamulashvili from the "United National Movement" claimed during a broadcast on a Ukrainian TV channel that she had unofficially learned about the Georgian authorities' intention to close the border starting Monday for Russian citizens of military age.

Previously, the government had repeatedly stated that it does not plan to restrict the entry of citizens from the Russian Federation, despite the noise at the border. This week, Iraki Kobakhidze, the leader of the "Georgian Dream," once again excluded the possibility of introducing a visa regime or other restrictions, assuring that "the situation is fully under control."

The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia announced that the border checkpoint with the Russian Federation is operating as usual, around the clock.

Earlier, Nona Mamulashvili had said in an interview with Ukrainian Freedom TV that Georgia plans to close the border with Russia for men starting Monday. She also noted that Russians lack the courage to protest against their government's decisions.

It is worth mentioning that a 15-kilometer traffic jam has formed at the border between Russia and Georgia as residents of the Russian Federation attempt to leave the country following President Vladimir Putin's announcement of mobilization.