U.S.-Georgia Relations Strained Over Controversial 'Foreign Agent' Bill

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused the U.S. of blackmailing Georgia over a controversial 'foreign agent' bill. The U.S. has threatened to cut aid and impose sanctions on officials. The bill has led to major protests in Georgia, with concerns it could be authoritarian.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday accused the U.S. of blackmailing Georgia over a "foreign agent" bill passed by the country's parliament this month. The U.S. has threatened to cut aid to Georgia and impose sanctions on officials over the bill, which has sparked major protests in Georgia.

Opponents of the bill says it is authoritarian and Russian-inspired. The Georgian ruling party says it is needed to ensure transparency in foreign funding of NGOs and protect the country's sovereignty. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday the law was "right out of Moscow's playbook" and that Washington was very concerned and looking at taking action. (Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)