Ukraine Accuses Russia of Deporting Citizens to Georgia, Leaving Them Stranded Without Proper Documents

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of deporting Ukrainians into Georgia and leaving them stranded without proper documents, hundreds of miles from home. Russia has denied accusations of mistreating or targeting civilians since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine has arranged the transit of 43 citizens back to Ukraine via Moldova, but more people remain in difficult conditions at the border.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russia of deporting Ukrainians into Georgia, leaving them stranded without proper documents, hundreds of miles from home. This situation has escalated to 90 Ukrainians being held in a basement at the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgian border, according to Volunteers Tbilisi, a human rights group [1]. The group described the conditions as a 'humanitarian disaster', with temperatures reaching almost 40°C, no fresh air, and limited food supplies. The situation has been ongoing since June, with some individuals being held for over a month and a half.

The group reported that those being held include former Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians deported by Russian authorities. Georgian authorities have stated that these individuals are not allowed to enter the country due to their lack of passports and formal identity documents. Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze confirmed that negotiations are actively underway with the Ukrainian side and the Republic of Moldova to facilitate their return [1]. However, the process has stalled due to opposition from the Moldovan side.

Deputy Head of the ‘Dariali’ Border and Immigration Control Service, Luka Paatashvili, claimed that the majority of the individuals attempting to cross the Georgian border have been convicted of serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, and drug trafficking. He stated that their entry poses a direct risk of further criminal activity [1]. Despite these claims, the conditions of those held are described as normal, with individuals waiting for a resolution.

The humanitarian crisis at the border has raised concerns about the treatment of Ukrainian civilians. The situation is part of a broader context of deteriorating prison conditions in Russia, where medical personnel and basic medicines are in short supply, leading to systemic cruelty and the denial of medical care to political prisoners [2]. The Russian prison system's collapse is exacerbated by wartime sanctions and the phasing out of imports, which have disrupted essential medication supplies.

The ongoing crisis at the Ukrainian-Russian border highlights the need for international cooperation and humanitarian intervention. The situation underscores the dire need for a comprehensive solution to the humanitarian crisis, including the provision of proper documents and assistance to those stranded at the border.

References:
[1] http://oc-media.org/ninety-ukrainians-now-reportedly-being-held-in-inhumane-conditions-on-georgian-border/
[2] https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2025/07/17/due-negligence-en