OREANDA-NEWS If Georgia joins the anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the West, it will damage the national interests of official Tbilisi. This was stated by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, RIA Novosti reports.

"When it comes to sanctions, thousands of winemakers, exporters, farmers are involved in this process. What is required of me? So that I impose sanctions on my people?... Therefore, these extra emotions will not give anything, it harms our national interests," the prime minister explained.

Earlier, Garibashvili announced that the Georgian authorities would not support the economic and financial sanctions imposed on Russia against the background of the situation in Ukraine. The Prime Minister noted that Tbilisi monitors the actions of international partners, but refuses to support them.

Meanwhile, the office of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky reported that the main goal of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is an immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine.

"The key issue of the negotiations is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Ukraine," Zelensky's office said in a statement.

Also, the Latvian Seimas adopted amendments to the bill on national defense, allowing citizens to fight as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) or the International Legion of Territorial Defense.

Those wishing to volunteer in Ukraine will have to register with the reserve unit of the national armed forces. After that, according to the text of the amendments, they will be able to go to the country immediately.