Ukraine’s Foreign Minister raises concerns over deportation of Ukrainians from Russia to Georgia
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially responded to the ongoing situation regarding the forced deportation of Ukrainian citizens from the Russian Federation to Georgia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga emphasized that this process is not only a humanitarian matter but also poses a significant security challenge for Ukraine, as Russia employs the deportation of Ukrainians as a tool of political pressure. According to the minister, Russian authorities organize the involuntary removal of Ukrainian nationals through Georgian territory, often violating international agreements and human rights protections. Ukraine insists that the deported citizens be transferred directly to the Ukrainian border to prevent illegal transport and further complications. Since June, the number of Ukrainians deported by Russia has significantly increased, mainly targeting former prisoners, who are transported to regions where organized transit to Ukraine is impossible. As a result, dozens of Ukrainian citizens find themselves in transit zones at the Georgian border, often without proper documents or with invalid ones. Ukrainian consular services have already assisted 43 individuals, including former political prisoner Andriy Kolomiets, evacuated through Moldova. Nevertheless, many Ukrainians remain in difficult circumstances, with obstacles to returning home. The minister reaffirmed Ukraine’s ongoing close cooperation with Georgia and Moldova to bring all citizens back, but the situation remains tense. It is important to recall that at the end of June, Ukrainian diplomatic missions confirmed reports of Ukrainians being held in inhumane conditions at the Russia-Georgia border after deportation, with a total of 45 individuals. Several have already been evacuated, but the issue persists for many others in distress.