Former Georgian official Khabazi calls himself ‘enemy of Russia’ after Donetsk court ruling

A former Georgian official from the United National Movement, Koba Khabazi, has said he is proud to be considered an “enemy of Russia” after being sentenced in absentia by a court in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk.

Responding to the ruling, Khabazi said the sentence was expected given his stance and actions.

“Yes, I should be sentenced by the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic. Yes, I should be sentenced by Russia because I am an enemy of the country that invaded Georgia and occupied its territories, and that invaded Ukraine,” he said in an interview with a local broadcaster.

Khabazi confirmed that he had fought as part of the Georgian Legion on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, describing it as a matter of duty and pride.

“I am proud that I fought on Ukraine’s side. It was my duty,” he said, adding that he considers it a tribute to Georgian fighters who have died defending their country’s territorial integrity.

The so-called “supreme court” of the separatist region earlier sentenced Khabazi to 13 years in prison in absentia, accusing him of acting as a mercenary. Russian media have also reported that he has been placed on an international wanted list.