Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree imposing sanctions on 19 Georgian officials, including the premier. The sanctions were announced in a video address by Zelenskyy, who stated that the sanctions target members of the Georgian government he claims are "surrendering Georgia to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin." According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy specified that the sanctions include high-ranking figures such as Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The decree is now available on the Ukrainian presidential office's website. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of timely and principled responses in international affairs, warning that delays can lead to a loss of freedom for countries. His statement follows his previous announcement that Kyiv is preparing a "legal response" to developments in Georgia, in collaboration with European and other international partners. The Ukrainian leader accused the Georgian authorities of steering the nation towards dependence on Russia. The Georgian government has yet to respond to these sanctions. These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing pro-EU protests in Georgia, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi. The protests erupted following Prime Minister Kobakhidze's announcement that Georgia would suspend EU accession talks until 2028. Since the protests began, the Interior Ministry reports over 290 arrests and injuries to more than 150 police officers.