Donbas Coal Deal Exposes Fragile Enforcement of Russia Sanctions

A Georgian company has struck a deal to import coal, metals, and chemical products from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk, a move that raises fresh questions about sanctions enforcement and underscores Tbilisi's tightening economic ties with Moscow. The agreement involves George Oil Ltd, owned by Valerian Kochiashvili, who has openly expressed his intention to trade with Russia and use raw materials from Ukraine’s Donbas to access markets beyond EU restrictions. The entrepreneur confirmed the arrangement to Georgian media,…