US Sanctions Georgian Billionaire Ivanishvili

The United States has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, citing his actions as detrimental to democracy and beneficial to Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Ivanishvili's policies have weakened democratic institutions in Georgia, a country seeking EU membership, and have enabled human rights abuses. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets belonging to Ivanishvili and follow years of increasing authoritarianism under his party, which has stalled EU negotiations and sparked protests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for additional international sanctions against Ivanishvili, highlighting the threat posed by Russian influence in the region. The decision is viewed as a significant step by the Biden administration to counteract perceived Russian encroachment in Georgia and support democratic aspirations. Ivanishvili's allies have labeled the sanctions as unjust, asserting that he has been under de facto U.S. sanctions for years.