Ukraine accuses Russia of 'weaponizing' deportations through Georgia, urges direct repatriation

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has accused Russia of "weaponizing" deportations of Ukrainian citizens via Georgia, calling on Moscow to transfer these individuals directly to the Ukrainian border instead.

In a statement, Sybiha said that since June, Russia has significantly increased the number of deported Ukrainians at the Russia–Georgia border, primarily former prisoners, many of whom lack proper documentation.

“Russia is using Ukrainian citizens as a tool of pressure by deporting them through Georgia,” Sybiha stated. “We are publicly offering Russia an alternative: send these people to the Ukrainian border directly. We are ready to receive them.”

According to the minister, dozens of deported Ukrainians, including former political prisoners, are currently stranded in transit zones under harsh conditions at the border. Ukrainian consulates are actively working to provide documents and organize their evacuation through Moldova.

So far, 43 Ukrainian citizens, including Andriy Kolomiyets, a former political prisoner, have been successfully transported back to Ukraine via this route.

“We are closely cooperating with Georgian and Moldovan authorities to help repatriate the remaining citizens,” Sybiha said, adding that there are no guarantees that Russia will not further escalate deportations.

To prevent further humanitarian complications, Ukraine is now formally offering Russia a direct repatriation solution, both through bilateral channels and with the involvement of international organizations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also raised concerns over the situation unfolding at the Russia–Georgia border. He confirmed that Ukrainian diplomats are now working to arrange safe transit and repatriation of these individuals back to Ukraine.