Protests erupt in Batumi as Russian cruise ship returns with passengers

Protests erupted in the Georgian city of Batumi against the arrival of the cruise ship Astoria Grande, carrying nearly 800 Russian tourists. Clashes broke out between police and protesters, resulting in arrests. Activists blocked passengers from leaving the ship and obstructed the bus meant to pick them up, while bottles and eggs were thrown at the vehicle. This was the second protest in less than a week, causing the ship to leave earlier than scheduled. Russian state media reported that the ship will no longer stop in Batumi in the future.