Tbilisi called the UK's decision to allow the import of fuel derived from Russian oil a manifestation of double standards, recalling long-standing calls from Western partners to curtail trade with Russia.

Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili criticized London's decision to allow the import of diesel fuel and jet fuel produced in third countries from Russian oil. According to him, the British side had previously sought to stop Tbilisi from purchasing Russian petroleum products.

Papuashvili stated that the British ambassador used an "almost threatening tone" in conversations with Georgian authorities and urged them to pressure businesses to cease trading with Russia.

"Essentially, we were being asked to join the sanctions in circumvention of official decisions. If Georgia had agreed to this, the country would have faced a severing of economic ties with Russia, an embargo on Georgian wine, and a severe economic crisis," he asserted.

Disputes over relations with Russia have become a central focus of Georgian politics in recent years. The ruling Georgian Dream party claims it is trying to maintain economic stability. The opposition accuses the government of using this rhetoric to gradually move closer to the Kremlin and abandon its commitment to European integration.

The previous day, the United Kingdom authorized the import of diesel fuel and jet fuel produced from Russian oil. The decision was attributed to tensions in the global energy market amid the escalating conflict over Iran and risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes.