Ukraine Evacuates 43 Deportees Held in Georgia Amid Russia Deportation Claims

Ukraine evacuated 43 of its citizens who had been deported from Russia and were held in dire conditions in a basement facility near the Russia-Georgia border, according to Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. These deportees, mostly former prisoners without proper documentation, were stranded in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with limited access to food, water, and medical care, including some with suspected tuberculosis and HIV. Ukraine accused Russia of 'weaponizing' deportations by forcing these individuals into Georgia instead of sending them directly to the Ukraine border, complicating their return. Ukrainian authorities are working with Georgian and Moldovan officials to facilitate the transit of remaining deportees, though there are concerns Russia may increase deportations before Georgian migration rules tighten in September. Aid groups estimate that up to 800 more Ukrainians could be deported in the coming weeks. Among those evacuated was Andriy Kolomiyets, a recognized political prisoner who had served a decade in Russian custody for politically motivated charges.