The Latest Breaking News from Tbilisi

Guardian Australia’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Imogen Dewey

The former leader – who is serving a prison sentence decried as politically motivated – says the alliance cannot show the same weakness it did in the wake of a 2008 declaration saying Kyiv and Tbilisi could join but offering no path. Russia invaded Georgia months later

Israeli team secures spot after reaching semifinals of UEFA European Under-21 Championship

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry is criticizing Ukraine for urging the Georgian ambassador to return to Tbilisi for consultations over the poor health of imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is also a Ukrainian citizen

Irakli Garibashvili says Georgian citizens and the nation’s economy would suffer if Tbilisi sanctioned Moscow.

Direct flights have resumed between Russia and Georgia amid protests and sharp criticism from the South Caucasus nation's president

President Salome Zourabichvili says lifting a ban and resuming flights is meaningless as long as Russia occupies lands.

Russia restored visa-free travel for citizens of Georgia on Wednesday and lifted a ban on direct flights between the two countries imposed in 2019, according to an official government decree.

Russians in Tbilisi often arrive unaware of historical sensitivities and simmering hostility

Russian forces occupy some 20 percent of Georgia's territory, a consequence of two wars. Officially, Georgia wants to join NATO and the EU; these ambitions are even written into its constitution. But behind the scenes, the country's de facto ruler – oligarch Bidzina Ivanizhvili – is suspected of sabotaging the…

US does not mention case of Mikheil Saakashvili but move coincides with protests in Tbilisi over ex-president’s detention