Georgia's electricity imports from Russia surged nearly 42-fold in January 2026 compared to the same month last year, approaching levels last seen in March 2022, according to data from the National Statistics Service of Georgia.
The Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border has been closed to all vehicle traffic until further notice, authorities have announced.
Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili has confirmed that Tbilisi will maintain its current approach regarding sanctions against Moscow, ruling out the introduction of unilateral restrictions.
Trade turnover between Russia and Georgia in January 2026 amounted to $240 million, making Russia one of Georgia's top three trading partners.
Georgia generated more than $16 million from tangerine exports last year, with Russia emerging as the primary importer, according to official data.
Around 32,000 Russian citizens hold residence permits in Georgia, accounting for approximately one-third of all foreigners with residency status, according to the country's prime minister.
On Friday, heavy trucks are prohibited from accessing the Russian-Georgian border from both sides. This restriction has been in place since 8:45 a.m.
Moscow is exploring the possibility of resuming railway service between Russia and Georgia via Abkhazia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk.
Georgia should speak with Russia to protect its national interests
The EU plans to include restrictions on third countries for the first time in its upcoming 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting port operations in Georgia and Indonesia, according to media.
The Georgian authorities have reopened the Gudauri-Kobi road section, which leads to the Russian border, for passenger car traffic. The ban imposed on February 2 remains in effect for heavy vehicles.
Georgia exported 36.3% more nuts to Russia than in 2024
Deputy Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Ghia Volsky stated that the politician's words are of no value to Tbilisi
Georgia primarily purchases food from Russia, which holds the largest share of Georgia's food imports.
Last year Georgia imported various products worth $18.5 billion
Russia is considering reviving international cruise routes from the Sea of Azov. This will require the restoration of the passenger pier.
Russia remains the primary destination for Georgian apple exports, accounting for the overwhelming majority of shipments, followed distantly by Türkiye and Belarus.
Gazprom for the first time supplied more gas to China than to Europe as of 2025 year-end and delivered 38.8 bln cubic meters of gas to China, the Russian gas holding said.
Avalanches on the Georgian Military Highway have blocked access from Russia to Georgia, as forecasted by Tbilisi. The road closure has halted traffic at the Upper Lars border checkpoint.
The Military-Georgian Road is closed due to relentless snowstorms in the southern part of the North Caucasus - all traffic has been halted on the route. This includes the section from Vladikavkaz to Verkhny Lars.
