Georgian Musicians' Anti-Russia Protests at Tbilisi Festival, Students' Peace Plea

Tbilisi Festival Sparks Anti-Russia Protests: Georgian Musicians' Actions and Student Petition On May 26, 2025, during the Tbilisi Open Air festival, two separate incidents involving Georgian musicians ignited controversy and highlighted the complex political landscape between Georgia and Russia. The first incident involved a soloist who, during a performance, openly expressed support for Kyiv, Ukraine, using slogans echoing Ukrainian nationalist sentiments. This act immediately drew attention and sparked debate online. The second incident involved another musician who, according to the video, discarded a Russian flag on stage. This act further fueled the already tense atmosphere. The video shows footage of both incidents, providing visual evidence of the events. The video also notes that the musicians' actions have been condemned by some Georgians on social media. Adding another layer to the story, the video reports that Georgian students studying in Moscow have launched a petition to restore diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia. This initiative, according to the video, has gained traction, with thousands of citizens and political figures signing in support. This demonstrates a segment of Georgian society seeking reconciliation with Russia, contrasting with the actions of the musicians at the festival. "It's a provocation aimed at undermining dialogue between Moscow and Tbilisi," a political commentator stated in the video, reflecting the view of some that the musicians' actions were deliberately provocative. The video concludes by showing students actively collecting signatures, suggesting a continued effort towards improved relations despite the recent events. The contrasting actions of the musicians and the students highlight the diverse opinions within Georgian society regarding its relationship with Russia.