Journalists uncover Georgia's secret defence advisor
The Georgian opposition media, Mtavari, exposed a document revealing that David Khidasheli, a businessman closely affiliated with Russian oligarchs, served as an advisor in the Georgian defence ministry for nearly four years (from 2020 until 9 January 2024). He has been just recently sacked by the new defence minister. The former minister and the defence ministry have confirmed Mtavari’s findings.
However, the defence ministry firmly states that Khidasheli was denied an access to any national security information, a point widely shared by the current minister and PM Kobakhidze. ”I do not know whether he is pro-Russian or not,” stated Kobakhidze, echoing the ruling party's position. The government's assertion that Khidasheli had no high-level intelligence is met with scepticism by many Georgian citizens.
David Khidasheli, a Georgian-born businessman operating in Russia, is said to be linked to the Russian oligarch Vladimir Yevtushenkov. Yevtushenkov was personally sanctioned by the UK at the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Yevtushenkov is closely affiliated with former PM, the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Khidasheli played a crucial role in the ruling party's strategy to influence public opinion before the elections. Consequently, the ruling party secured a majority of seats in the parliamentary elections without forming a coalition.