Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires praises Georgia’s nationwide support for war-displaced families

Dmytro Berezhnyi, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, said on Friday that during the first and most challenging months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian families who sought refuge in Georgia received free accommodation, material assistance, and, above all, compassion and support. He added that, for many Ukrainians, Georgia has become a country they regard as a second home.

In a message published by the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia, Berezhnyi highlighted that humanitarian and social support for Ukrainians in Georgia had evolved into a nationwide effort involving state institutions, local authorities, businesses, civil society organisations, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and ordinary citizens.

“Since the end of February 2022, more than 500,000 Ukrainian citizens have been forcibly displaced and travelled through Georgia to various parts of the world. For many, Georgia became their first place of safety after experiencing the horrors of the initial stages of Russia’s full-scale war. Today, more than 27,000 Ukrainians continue to reside temporarily in Georgia, awaiting a just peace and the opportunity to return home”, he said.

“Support for Ukraine in Georgia has taken on a truly nationwide character, uniting the efforts of government institutions, municipalities, businesses, civil society, the Georgian Orthodox Church and ordinary citizens. During the first and most difficult months of the war, thousands of Ukrainian families who were forced to seek shelter in Georgia were provided with free accommodation, hot meals, financial assistance and, equally importantly, human warmth and solidarity”, he continued.

Berezhnyi also praised programmes supported by the Georgian Government and local municipalities that enable children from socially vulnerable Ukrainian families to visit Georgia for recreation and psychological rehabilitation.

“With the support of the Georgian Government and local municipalities, Ukrainian children from socially vulnerable families, including those whose parents gave their lives defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, regularly come to Georgia for holidays and psychological rehabilitation”, he noted.

The diplomat further emphasised the importance of institutional support measures, including simplified border-crossing procedures and the extension of visa-free stay for Ukrainian citizens.

“Institutional support has also played a significant role, including the maximum simplification of border-crossing procedures, extending the visa-free stay period for Ukrainian citizens, and ensuring access to essential medical and social services. At the same time, thousands of tonnes of humanitarian aid, generators, medical equipment and medicines collected by the Georgian people and delivered to Ukraine provided critical assistance to our cities during the most difficult stages of the war”, he said.

“Thanks to this warm and welcoming reception, Ukrainians in Georgia do not feel like foreigners. For many of our compatriots, Georgia has become a truly close country, where they experience brotherly warmth, support and genuine human solidarity”, Berezhnyi concluded.