On September 1, the EU’s ultimatum to Georgia expired, threatening the suspension of visa-free travel unless controversial laws targeting NGOs and LGBT rights were repealed and repression against protesters ceased. The Georgian leadership not only ignored these demands but doubled down, while simultaneously seeking to restore ties with the U.S. and continuing to serve as a key hub for Russian sanctions evasion. The unfolding situation raises questions about Europe’s leverage, Washington’s stance, and the risks of Georgia drifting further into Moscow’s orbit.