Ukrainian citizens deported from Russia to Georgia declare hunger strike at border, triggering humanitarian crisis
Since mid-June, the situation surrounding Ukrainian nationals deported from Russia to Georgia has escalated sharply, raising significant concerns among Ukrainian diplomats and human rights organizations.
The large-scale deportations have led to a humanitarian crisis at the Dariali border checkpoint, where some Ukrainians have announced protests and hunger strikes in response.
According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, diplomats are actively working to resolve the issue and facilitate the return of their citizens.
Since late June, they have managed to organize the departure of 44 Ukrainians from the buffer zone, but the situation remains tense due to the ongoing deportations and Russia’s apparent deliberate efforts to create a crisis at the Georgia-Russia border.
Currently, 96 Ukrainians are in the border buffer zone, most of whom have criminal histories and were previously convicted or forcibly relocated from occupied territories of Ukraine.
They are experiencing severe conditions, lacking adequate medical care and living conditions.
Ukrainian representatives emphasize their readiness to repatriate their citizens through diplomatic channels, but Russia continues to ignore these requests.
On August 5, the Ukrainian embassy in Georgia received appeals from five Ukrainians who have begun an indefinite hunger strike, demanding permission to cross into Georgia.
Human rights activists, consular staff, and international organizations are working tirelessly to address this crisis, calling for immediate humanitarian access and unimpeded border crossing.
Additionally, Ukrainian diplomats are coordinating with the Georgian government, the Red Cross, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration to ensure the protection of detained and deported individuals and to facilitate their repatriation.
Most of the deported Ukrainians have criminal records, complicating the process of return due to legal and administrative issues, as well as unresolved questions about their legal status.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stresses its continuous efforts to resolve this problem and urges international organizations to act swiftly, as delays in returning Ukrainians deepen the humanitarian crisis and threaten their lives and well-being.