Researcher warns of international scandal over ‘planned’ coal imports from occupied Donetsk

Corruption researcher Besik Donadze has raised concerns over reports that coal was being imported into Georgia from the occupied Donetsk region, describing the situation as an international scandal rather than a simple case of evading sanctions on a specific product.

Donadze said the State Security Service should investigate the matter, given that Georgia recognises Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Donetsk is under occupation.

“Questions are straightforward - at customs, during export or import, how does this person plan to handle procedures? The bigger problem is the international dimension; this is not just about circumventing sanctions on a single product,” he said.

According to Russian media reports, coal imports from occupied Donetsk to Georgia are planned. Agencies report that the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic reached agreements with Georgia on coal and metal exports. 

Businessman Valerian Kochiashvili reportedly promised representatives of the de facto authorities to facilitate the import of coal and metals from Donetsk into Georgia.