UK Imposes Sanctions on Georgian TV Channels Over Disinformation

On February 24, 2026, the United Kingdom sanctioned two prominent Georgian television channels, Imedi TV and POSTV, citing their involvement in spreading "deliberately misleading information" regarding Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This action is part of a broader sanctions package targeting 297 entities, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the invasion. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) accused the channels of promoting narratives that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and support Kremlin-backed disinformation.

Breaking: UK Sanctions Pro-Government Imedi, POSTV Channels – Civil GeorgiaUK Sanctions Georgian Pro-Government Channels for Pro-Russian DisinformationImedi rejects UK sanctions as Britain raises Russian disinformation concernsReutersGeorgia summons UK Ambassador over sanctions on pro-government media‘Soon there will be neither Great nor Britain left’ — Georgia slams UK sanctionsUK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)

The UK government specifically highlighted that Imedi and POSTV disseminated content portraying the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelensky as illegitimate, labeling Ukraine a "puppet" of the West. The sanctions include an asset freeze, restrictions on trust services, and disqualification of directors from managing UK-based companies. These measures aim to curb the influence of Russian-aligned narratives within Georgia, a country that has seen increasing authoritarianism since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Breaking: UK Sanctions Pro-Government Imedi, POSTV Channels – Civil GeorgiaUK Sanctions Georgian Pro-Government Channels for Pro-Russian DisinformationReutersImedi rejects UK sanctions as Britain raises Russian disinformation concernsUK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’UK envoy summoned to Georgia’s foreign ministryThe Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)Georgia summons UK Ambassador over sanctions on pro-government media

In response to the sanctions, Imedi dismissed them as "worthless," asserting that their primary concern is the trust of the Georgian people. The channel's management stated their commitment to continue operations and announced plans to establish their own bank, Imedi Bank, to mitigate potential financial risks stemming from the sanctions. POSTV's founder, Shalva Ramishvili, criticized the UK’s actions on social media, suggesting that the sanctions were politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissenting voices.

Facing UK sanctions, Georgia’s Imedi announces plans to create its own bank

The Georgian government reacted strongly to the sanctions, summoning UK Ambassador Gareth Ward to demand an explanation. Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili described the sanctions as "groundless" and lacking evidence. She emphasized that the accusations of Georgia strengthening ties with Russia while weakening Ukraine were unfounded. The ruling Georgian Dream party members echoed these sentiments, with some labeling the sanctions as an infringement on freedom of expression.

Georgia summons UK Ambassador over sanctions on pro-government mediaUK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’UK envoy summoned to Georgia’s foreign ministry‘Soon there will be neither Great nor Britain left’ — Georgia slams UK sanctionsUK Sanctions Georgian Pro-Government Channels for Pro-Russian DisinformationBreaking: UK Sanctions Pro-Government Imedi, POSTV Channels – Civil GeorgiaThe Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)

The sanctions raise concerns about the future of pro-government media in Georgia and their relationships with local banks. Major Georgian banks, including TBC and Bank of Georgia, are listed on the London Stock Exchange, complicating their potential dealings with the sanctioned channels. The National Bank of Georgia has previously stated that compliance with international sanctions is mandatory, but the enforcement of the UK's latest measures remains uncertain.

‘Soon there will be neither Great nor Britain left’ — Georgia slams UK sanctionsUK sanctions Georgia’s Imedi and POSTV over ‘Russian disinformation’Facing UK sanctions, Georgia’s Imedi announces plans to create its own bankGeorgia summons UK Ambassador over sanctions on pro-government mediaUK envoy summoned to Georgia’s foreign ministryBreaking: UK Sanctions Pro-Government Imedi, POSTV Channels – Civil Georgia

Critics of the sanctions argue that they reflect a misunderstanding of Georgia's media landscape and its complex relationship with Russia. Observers note that while the Georgian public largely supports Ukraine, the sanctioned channels have been accused of "poisoning the information space" to align closer with Kremlin narratives. The sanctions have sparked debates about media freedom and the role of international actors in Georgia's domestic affairs.

UK Sanctions Georgian Pro-Government Channels for Pro-Russian Disinformation

The UK's sanctions against Imedi TV and POSTV underscore the ongoing struggle against disinformation in the context of the Ukraine conflict. As Georgia navigates its geopolitical position, the implications of these sanctions will likely resonate within its media landscape and broader political environment. The situation remains fluid, with potential repercussions for both the sanctioned channels and the Georgian government’s relationship with Western allies.

Georgia summons UK Ambassador over sanctions on pro-government media