Russian & Iranian Influences

Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

Civic IDEA is pleased to share its Report #2 on Iran, prepared within the framework of our ongoing monitoring of Georgia’s economic and political linkages related to Iran.

Key findings from the report include:

72 companies registered in Georgia imported Iranian oil and petroleum products in 2022–2025, based on official data and documents.

  • 15 companies are related to citizens of third countries (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia).
  • 10 companies are related to Iranian citizens, and 2 companies have Iranian citizens among their partners as managers/shareholders.
  • 8 companies are linked to donors of the Georgian Dream party; 3 of these are winners of state tenders.
  • 8 companies have contracts with various state agencies. Managers/shareholders of 3 companies are linked to other entities that have won state contracts.
  • 5 companies are indirectly related to Georgian Dream donors — Aisi LLC, Ihlas LLC, Bakhula Motors LLC, Baza-22 LLC, Sulfeco LLC — as member organizations of the NNLE Waste Management Business Association. The association is headed by Bakur Khundadze, a donor to Georgian Dream.
  • 4 companies are indirectly connected to public/political officials and members of the Georgian Parliament, including a former Georgian Dream MP.

Read the full report:

Behind the Barrels: Iranian Oil and Political Ties in Georgia Read More »

Georgian Dream’s anti-western policy: How Iranian companies are using Georgia to bypass sanctions

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

HOW IRANIAN COMPANIES ARE USING GEORGIA TO BYPASS SANCTIONS?

Civic IDEA’s latest investigation sheds light on a little-known but deeply troubling dimension of Iran-Georgia relations. The report exposes how Iranian businessmen are using Georgia as a strategic transit point to evade international sanctions and channel funds back to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Our findings reveal that as diplomatic ties between the Georgian Dream government and Iran have grown closer, several Georgian-registered companies have emerged with direct links to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces Logistics Agency.

The investigation also highlights the role of Georgian citizens and businesses who, in collaboration with Iranian partners, are allegedly involved in arms trafficking and high-risk financial operations.

Read the full report for in-depth evidence of the growing national security risks posed by this opaque and dangerous partnership between Tbilisi and Tehran:

Georgian Dream’s anti-western policy: How Iranian companies are using Georgia to bypass sanctions Read More »

Georgia’s Energy Sector Without Western Support: A Road to Russian Dependence

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

“Today, we have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We are also refusing any budget grants from the EU until the end of 2028.” 

“We intend not to enter the EU begging and standing on one leg, but to join the EU with dignity, with a functioning democratic system and a strong economy.“ 

With this statement, the Georgian Dream government seeks to downplay the vital role that Western institutions have played in Georgia’s political, economic, educational, and infrastructural development. In reality, by rejecting EU assistance, the government is not only jeopardizing Georgia’s future in the EU’s political and economic structures but also undermining the country’s opportunity to develop in line with European standards. 

To illustrate this, the report analyzes the European Union’s contribution to Georgia’s energy independence. It is based on both quantitative and qualitative assessments of energy-related projects implemented between 2013 and 20241. Stay tuned for upcoming reports on EU assistance in agriculture, education, and other key sectors.

Full Report:

Georgia’s Energy Sector Without Western Support: A Road to Russian Dependence Read More »

Russian Occupation Extends to Georgian Skies: Western-Sanctioned Airlines Launch Flights to Sukhumi

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

On May 1, Russia commenced direct, regular flights to occupied Abkhazia. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, UVT Aero operated its first flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Sukhumi two days ahead of schedule “due to high demand.”

Flights between Russia and occupied Abkhazia violate both international aviation regulations and the Georgian Constitution:

UVT Aero, which is internationally sanctioned and operates flights to Sokhumi in violation of Georgia’s Law on Occupation, continues to fly to other parts of Georgia as well.

📝 Our new report reveals:

  • How the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport began in 2023;

  • How sanctioned Russian airlines are being granted flight permissions;

  • What kind of threat this precedent poses to Georgia’s sovereignty; and

  • How the Georgian government is involved in this process through its inaction.

Tap to see the full report

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Russia’s Naval Expansion in the Black Sea

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

The recent announcement of a Russian naval base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia has intensified concerns about regional security, economic stability, and Georgia’s sovereignty. While Russia claims this expansion is a strategic necessity following Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea fleet, Georgia and its Western allies see it as a direct violation of international law and a further entrenchment of Russian influence in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea.

Tap to see the full article:

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“Russian Businesses of Georgian Dream Donors” Part II

Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

 On October 16 th 2024, Civic IDEA presented evidence regarding the financial ties and connections of the ruling Georgian Dream party to Russian interests. Our report demonstrates that most of the party’s major donors are backed by the Russian market and funds, with their interests closely aligned with Moscow. As a result, they actively support policies deepening Georgia’s economic dependence on Russia in exchange for personal financial gain. We revealed that Georgia’s wine exports heavily rely on the Russian market, that is about 73,5% of the total export volume, a dangerously high level that poses significant risks to the Georgian economy.

This dependency leaves Georgia vulnerable to political manipulation, as Russia could leverage market access to exert pressure at any moment. Instead of diversifying export markets, the Georgian Dream leadership, mainly through actions of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s family members—Alexandre Ivanishvili, Ucha Mamatsashvili, and other business partner donors—has allowed this dependency to grow, heightening economic risks for the country.

Today, we present the second part of our study, revealing even more alarming findings. Based on concrete evidence, we will show that some donors of the Georgian Dream are not only engaged in trade or economic-political ties with Russia but are also listed as ‘international sponsors of war’.

Tap to see the full report:

“Russian Businesses of Georgian Dream Donors” Part II Read More »

Russian Ties of Georgian Dream Donors: Market Dependency and State-Favored Financial Benefits

Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

The purpose of this report is not to catalog all the donors of Georgian Dream (GD), which has been extensively covered by other organizations. Instead, our goal is to use factual evidence to show the public how the business interests and connections of the ruling party pose a serious threat to national security due to their deep ties with Russia. It is, therefore, no surprise that almost all major GD donors share two key characteristics: 

1. They are entirely dependent on Russia and the Russian market, with nearly all having double Russian / Georgian citizenship or a Russian citizen as a founder/partner or director. 

2. Direct connection with Bidzina Ivanishvili’s family.

Please see the full report.

Russian Ties of Georgian Dream Donors: Market Dependency and State-Favored Financial Benefits Read More »

Geopolitics of Transportation: The Middle Corridor – Trans-Caspian International Route Bypassing Russia

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

Civic IDEA is delighted to present a comprehensive report on the “Geopolitics of Transportation: The Middle Corridor – Trans-Caspian International Route Bypassing Russia”.

This report delves into the resurgence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), driven by geopolitical shifts and the necessity for reliable trade routes bypassing Russia. It highlights the economic benefits, the role of key players like the PRC, and the support from Western financial institutions. Additionally, it addresses the infrastructure and logistical challenges that need to be overcome for the Middle Corridor to realize its full potential.

Discover more in the full report below: 👇

Geopolitics of Transportation: The Middle Corridor – Trans-Caspian International Route Bypassing Russia Read More »

Central Asia Regional Positioning on the Russia – Ukraine War

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

The report presents the update of Civic IDEA’s last year’s take on “Can Russia find more friends and support in the war against Ukraine? – position and reactions of Central Asian Countries” (See https://civicidea.ge/en/3712-2/new/), overviewing the range of tactical and strategic narratives expressed by Central Asian states during the initial four months of the Russia-Ukraine war. The updated version aims to explore the shifts and changes in the positioning of the Central Asian countries on Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the great East-West power competition and the leverage of the region’s two authoritarian neighbors, Russia and China in various domains such as politics, international platforms, economics, military cooperation, and disinformation campaigns.

Report ?

Central Asia Regional Positioning on the Russia – Ukraine War

Central Asia Regional Positioning on the Russia – Ukraine War Read More »

Civic IDEA’s report #2 “PRC’s Peace Game – The War in Ukraine”

New, Research, Russian & Iranian Influences / /

The report represents the update of Civic IDEA’s last year’s take on “PRC’s two-fold game in the Russian-Ukrainian war” (See:https://civicidea.ge/en/prcs-twofold-game-in-the-russian-ukrainian-war/new/), which overviewed the set of tactical and strategic narratives from Beijing related to the first four months of the Russia-Ukraine war. It explores the dynamics of the relationship between Beijing and Moscow in various domains, including politics, international platforms, economics, military cooperation, and disinformation campaigns. Despite occasional gestures towards peace, China’s actions and statements indicate a difficult fixture in which it balances its relationships with both Russia and the West. Hence, our research aims to raise questions about China’s true intentions and complex game in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

For more information, please see the full report below ?

“PRC’s Peace Game – The War in Ukraine”

Civic IDEA’s report #2 “PRC’s Peace Game – The War in Ukraine” Read More »

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