Five Ukrainians Start Indefinite Hunger Strike at Russia-Georgia Border Over Detention

Five Ukrainians detained at the Dariali border checkpoint between Russia and Georgia have declared an indefinite hunger strike to protest what they describe as illegal actions by Georgian border guards, including confiscation of passports, unlawful biometric data collection, and inhumane detention conditions. The protesters, who were deported from Russia after serving sentences in Russian prisons, demand access to the Ukrainian consul, an explanation for their detention, the ability to leave Georgia or apply for international protection, and medical examinations. They report being held in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions alongside nearly 100 people, some with serious illnesses like HIV and tuberculosis, and being denied legal assistance or the ability to appeal their detention. The situation arises amid Russia deporting Ukrainians convicted in occupied Ukrainian territories to the Russia-Georgia border, often without valid documentation. Georgian authorities cite security concerns and invalid documents as reasons for denying entry and have proposed return options via sea or air to Ukraine. Ukrainian officials are actively working to resolve the issue, urging Russia to return these individuals directly to the Ukrainian border instead of deporting them to Georgia.