# Georgian government tensions over Russia and opposition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/georgian-government-tensions-over-russia-and-opposition > Updated: 2026-08-12T09:39:50.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has engaged in a series of political statements regarding Georgia’s relationship with Russia and domestic opposition. Kobakhidze has accused opposition groups, journalists, and activists of displaying “fake Russophobia” at the behest of unnamed external forces, including a “global war party” and a “deep state.” Addressing the 2008 conflict, the Prime Minister identified the Russian Federation as the only state that has occupied Georgian territories, but he refused to label Russia as Georgia’s “enemy.” He maintained that the previous administration, led by the United National Movement, was responsible for the escalation of the 2008 war. Kobakhidze further claimed that Western leaders and “informal oligarchic forces” are using sanctions and EU membership prospects to pressure the government. He argued these efforts are intended to destabilize the country and draw Georgia into a “second front,” thereby undermining its sovereignty. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Irakli Kobakhidze addresses Russia relations and domestic political pressure Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze blamed the Saakashvili administration for the 2008 war and accused Western-backed “deep state” agents of fueling Russophobia to undermine Georgian sovereignty. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irakli-kobakhidze-addresses-russia-relations-and-domestic-political-pressure ### 2026-08-05: Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze accuses opposition of foreign‑driven Russophobia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused Georgia’s opposition of foreign‑driven “fake Russophobia,” linking it to the 2008 war and Ukraine conflict, a move analysts say benefits ruling Georgian Dream ahead of 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgian-prime-minister-kobakhidze-accuses-opposition-of-foreigndriven-russophobia --- Cite as: Georgian government tensions over Russia and opposition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/georgian-government-tensions-over-russia-and-opposition