Russia warned on Thursday it could designate Georgia as an “unfriendly country” and impose economic measures if Tbilisi proceeds with joining the European Union.

Speaking at a briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said EU membership would amount to a “forced alignment” with what Moscow considers illegal anti-Russian sanctions.

“What would this mean for Georgia in practical terms? For example, the suspension of air travel with Russia and the introduction of a strict visa regime,” she said.

Zakharova added that Russia could be compelled to include Georgia on its list of countries with “unfriendly regimes” and extend retaliatory economic measures, potentially affecting Georgian exports such as mineral water, fruit and wine.

“I am not saying we want to do this, but given new EU requirements, we would have to take such steps,” she said.

She also criticised the European Union, accusing it of imposing “unjustified sanctions,” encouraging anti-Russian policies and undermining Georgia’s cultural identity.

Georgia’s government, despite strained ties with European Union and a declared pause in accession talks until 2028, maintains that it aims to join the bloc by 2030. The goal of EU integration is enshrined in the country’s constitution.

In November 2025, the European Commission said Georgia’s accession process had been effectively halted, citing what it described as a continuing backsliding on democratic principles. Brussels currently regards Georgia as only a nominal candidate for membership.