Andriy Yermak: It is very unfortunate that the list of countries helping Russia to avoid sanctions includes a friendly country like Georgia

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, after his speech at the Atlantic Council, while talking about the so-called secondary sanctions, said that Georgia was on the "black list" of countries that were helping to circumvent sanctions against Russia.

Yermak was asked whether Ukraine was asking for the imposition of sanctions against those who help Russia evade sanctions.

According to him, some influential businessmen in Georgia are shareholders of Gazprom and they are involved in the avoidance of sanctions by Russia.

However, Yermak says they are very careful about the issue and everything needs to be proven.

"Yes, this is a very important question because we can really have serious sanctions, but there are always countries or individuals who are trying to help them and we are very open about that and we can prove that some companies, individuals are helping Russia to avoid sanctions. We have a lot of respect for our partners who take risks. It is not fair when some people make money by bypassing sanctions. Unfortunately, these are some Asian countries. It is very unfortunate that this list includes a friendly country like Georgia, which is on the black list. We are very careful. Everything needs to be proven, it needs to be documented. This is a very important element of “secondary sanctions” and I am sure sanctions from the EU and the UK will increase. As for Georgia, we know some influential businessmen who are shareholders of Gazprom. There is a risk that they are involved in the avoidance of sanctions by Russia," Yermak said.