UK Suspends Support for Georgian Government

In response to violent crackdowns on protests in Georgia, the UK has suspended all program support and limited defense cooperation with the Georgian government. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the violence against demonstrators and journalists, stating that such actions undermine Georgia's international standing and constitutional commitment to a European future. The protests erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party postponed EU accession talks until 2028, following criticism from the European Parliament regarding the legitimacy of recent elections. The UK government aims to support the Georgian people's right to choose their future while urging an end to the government’s move away from democratic norms. Meanwhile, in Syria, President Putin granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad amidst the latter's regime collapse, as the UN prepares for an emergency session on Syria's instability. While Russia maintains it did not intervene in Assad's decision to resign, the Kremlin's actions reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.