**US Intelligence Report Sparks Tensions in Georgia**
A recent report by the United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has put a spotlight on the growing tensions between Russia and Georgia. The 2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment mentions that Russia is trying to increase its influence in Georgia, where a government led by the Georgian Dream party has been in power since October.
The DIA report claims that Russian efforts are aimed at returning Georgia to its sphere of influence. However, this statement has been met with strong denial from the Georgian government. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the allegations “total nonsense” and accused unnamed forces within the US government of trying to influence the country’s politics.
“This is not about us being pro-Russian or anti-American,” Kobakhidze said in a press conference. “We are an independent nation that wants to maintain good relations with all countries, including the United States.” He also questioned why such accusations ended up in an important US intelligence report.
The controversy comes as Georgia tries to downplay criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who last week described the Georgian Dream government as “anti-American”. This statement has caused a stir in Tbilisi, with many officials scrambling to respond and calm tensions. The current state of US-Georgia relations has been characterized as “active-negative” by Kobakhidze, suggesting that while there is cooperation between the two nations, underlying tensions remain.
**Background on US-Georgia Relations**
The relationship between the United States and Georgia has been complex in recent years. While both countries cooperate closely on security issues, particularly when it comes to countering Russian influence in the region, disagreements have arisen over human rights and democratic values.
Georgian Dream’s rule has been marred by allegations of electoral manipulation and human rights abuses. The party has also been criticized for its close ties with Russia, which has been accused of using its economic leverage to influence Georgian politics.
In response to Rubio’s statement, Georgia’s government sought to emphasize the country’s commitment to democratic values and good relations with the US. However, it remains unclear how this controversy will play out in the coming months.
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