Former Dynamo goalkeeper Sviatoslav Syrota shared his thoughts on the sanctioned former Dynamo player Kakhaber Kaladze in Ukraine.
Sviatoslav Syrota— You played in a friendly match between veterans of Ukraine and Georgia in 2018, where Kaladze also participated. Can you tell us how you were received in Sakartvelo and what Kaha was like then?
— We were well received in Georgia. After the match, we were taken to historical sites and shown notable landmarks. As for Kaladze, I personally do not know him and did not communicate with him. However, I am acquainted with Georgiy Demetradze. Zhora has always been on the side of Ukraine. He is frank, sincere, and a very simple guy. Yes, he made mistakes in life, but he is a good and kind person. Demetradze supports our country; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been possible, since he spent a long time in Ukraine.
— But Kaladze also played in Ukraine.
— Honestly, I don’t even want to discuss him. What is there to say about these collaborators and scoundrels? He chose Russia. That’s it! We should pay less attention to people like Tymoshchuk and Kaladze. They have left our lives forever. Unfortunately, it was a big mistake that they were with us.
— What do you think, why did Kaladze choose to be a pro-Russian politician?
— Probably it’s about the big money. If he hadn’t been up there and wasn’t showered with money and ridiculous prospects, I think he would also be normal. Many people do not withstand trials by fire, water, and copper pipes. Kaladze is one of those. He has put personal interests above the interests of his country and its people.
He did this consciously, but the question is about motives. Either he has financial motivation, or he is simply a stupid person who does not understand the consequences. These statements of his about «there won’t be Ukrainization in Georgia», where he implies that this led to war with Russia—are tales for the poor. They already had a war with Russia. Georgia has already seen that it is necessary to have support from all countries, not to be slaves to the Russians. But, as we see, Kaladze does not think about his people.
When the Russians come to Georgia, then poor people will become a province of this pseudo-country again and will be trading watermelons in the markets of Petersburg.
— Everything is clear with Kaladze, but what did you think about the general population of Georgia—are they pro-Russian or pro-European?
— I lived in Georgia for two months, when I almost became the vice-president of Zugdidi. Georgians are different, just like Ukrainians. There are sincere, open, and hospitable people, and there are those on their own wavelength. I like Georgians.
As for their political views, those in power are pro-Russian, while the ordinary people are pro-European and support Ukraine. The leaders think only about how to fill their pockets.
I remember that Georgians were very much against Saakashvili when he was no longer in power. They blamed him for repression. But I believe that Saakashvili did not finish off this criminal and pro-Russian contingent. He must have done something wrong if the «Georgian Dream» (a pro-Russian party in Georgia—ed.) managed to come to power.
We also had Yushchenko, who seemed pro-European, good, but he brought the «Regionals» to power. So, he also must have done something wrong.
— In Georgia, mass protests were provoked by the authorities' statement about stopping the Euro-integration process until 2028, but they are being brutally dispersed by law enforcement. What do you think will be the outcome?
— It’s a complicated question. Objectively, the current opposition should win because the people of Georgia support the European choice. In Russia, it is very easy to quash opposition sentiments because it’s a large country. Someone said something wrong—he was taken and sent beyond the Urals. But Georgia is a small country. If people start disappearing without a trace, you can’t hide that, and considering the hot blood of Georgians, such methods might backfire and fuel protests even more. I pray for the people of brotherly Georgia; may everything be well with them.
Andriy Piskun
