To help Georgia and Moldova protect themselves from Russian interference, the UK has pledged millions of pounds.

James Cleverly, Foreign Secretary, will visit the region to announce additional funding to help counter the destabilizing effects of President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Package will include additional PS10m to support economic reforms in Moldova and money to improve the security of next-year’s elections in Georgia.

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In an effort to strengthen control over the region, the Kremlin was accused of spreading disinformation and unrest between both countries.

‘Russian malign activity’

Before the visit, Mr Cleverly stated that “Few societies comprehend the underhand tactics Russian malign activities more than Moldova or Georgia.”

“The UK will not sit by and watch as Moscow undermines their democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“We must strengthen their resistance to Russia’s hybrid threats and safeguard their democratic choices. We also need to protect them from the threat at their door.”

According to Maia Sandu (pro-Western Moldovan president), the visit comes after claims that Moscow had planned to use foreign saboteurs in a coup.

The Russian foreign ministry rejected the claims as “completely unfounded” and “unsubstantiated”.

On Sunday, seven individuals were arrested by the Moldovan police for inciting unrest during protests against the government.

The PS10m pledged by the UK on Thursday to improve transparency and combat corruption is being added to.

According to the government, work is underway to improve cyber defenses, combat pro-Russian disinformation and reform the armed forces, as well as build a stronger economy.

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In Georgia, Mr Cleverly is going to see how cooperation in cyber security and defense helps protect against outside interference.

To help ensure “an environment conducive to free and fair elections in 2024, as well as protection from external interference”, the UK has also provided PS500,000.

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After widespread protests and international criticism, Georgia’s government had to abandon a controversial draft of its law .

Opponents worried that the foreign agent registration bill would be used to suppress dissent and reduce media freedoms.