The Georgian government has withdrawn its "foreign agent" bill following massive pressure from the streets. But does that mean the country's a step closer to its long-awaited EU candidacy?

There were fistfights in the parliament in the Republic of Georgia as tempers frayed during a debate about a "foreign agents" law. Critics of the legislation say it mirrors a similar draconian law in neighboring Russia.

After days of protests in the streets, Georgia's ruling party has said it will withdraw a proposed law to classify media and NGOs that receive funding from abroad as "foreign agents."

Georgian authorities are backing a "foreign agents" bill despite criticism from Brussels and Washington. The bill is widely seen as emulating a repressive Russian law that allows the Kremlin to crush its critics.

As the war in Ukraine continues to rumble on, watching events very closely are Russia's neighbours. Five of those countries are led by women including Georgia. Annette Young speaks to the Georgian President, Salome Zurabishvili about the impact of the war on her country and the region.

The European Commission has recommended EU member candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova, but said Georgia still falls short. In Tbilisi, tens of thousands came out to defend their dream of a future in Europe.

South Ossetia's self-proclaimed government said it was time for the region to "unite once and for all" with Russia. The breakaway republic was at the center of Moscow's military intervention in Georgia in 2008.

Tens of thousands of Russians have fled to Georgia, a small Caucasus nation of roughly 4 million inhabitants, since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine. The reasons are varied: fear of conscription for men, a risk of reprisals for political opponents or simply hope of a better life as Russia isolates itself. However, an uncertain future awaits them. Opinions in Georgia are divided about this new diaspora, despite the country already experiencing a Russian attack in 2008 and the occupation of 20 percent of its territory.

Georgia previously planned to apply to join the European Union in 2024. The move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for EU membership amid Russia's ongoing invasion.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili reacted to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Georgian leader said she was "not too convinced" by Russian President Vladimir Putin's assurances that he is willing to stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Zourabichvili added that the only party that is escalating the war in Ukraine is Putin himself.

Opposition leader and former president Mikheil Saakashvili says charges against him for his role in suppressing a 2007 protest are "trumped up." Amnesty International called his arrest "political revenge."

Mikheil Saakashvili's partner said he has been transferred to "the most dangerous place for his life." He has been on hunger strike since his arrest upon returning from exile on October 1.