rt.com | One of Georgia's main TV channels has sparked panic and protests after broadcasting a fake news report that Russian troops were advancing towards the capital Tbilisi and President Saakashvili had been killed.

Many viewers missed a short warning that the thirty-minute report was a mock-up, and rushed out onto the streets.

President Saakashvili has already said he did not approve of the channel's tactics, suggesting the producers make it clearer onscreen next time they pull a stunt like this.

Nevertheless, on Sunday Mikhail Saakashvili claimed that such “staging” of a war situation might be useful to protect Georgia from a new war with Russia.

“Despite the kind of scenarios Russia has, yesterday’s situation was very realistic, and because of this, I think, despite such a nervous reaction, yesterday’s report may become an obstacle for them [Russia] in realizing their plans,” said Saakashvili during a meeting with citizens of the Bolnis District.

Russia's Foreign Ministry says the bogus Georgian news report about Russia invading the country was “irresponsible” and “immoral” and has damaged security in the Caucasus region, escalating the tensions.

Moscow says the state-controlled Imedi channel could not have produced such a report without the blessing of President Saakashvili