Georgian Interior Ministry: Ukraine delays decision on repatriating citizens from neutral zone

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Sunday released a statement regarding individuals arriving from Russia at the Dariali border crossing point who are attempting to enter Georgia with invalid documents, claiming to be citizens of Ukraine.

The Ministry highlights that the majority of these individuals possess extensive criminal histories, having been repeatedly convicted of grave or particularly grave offenses. This is substantiated by certificates of release from penitentiary institutions presented by the individuals themselves. Furthermore, they openly admit to having served sentences for crimes committed in penitentiary facilities in eastern Ukraine. Consequently, for reasons of state security, these individuals have been denied entry into Georgia.

The Georgian side has offered several mechanisms to the Ukrainian side for the safe repatriation of these individuals from the so-called “neutral zone” to their homeland. Proposed options include both air and sea routes for their return. The Ukrainian side has so far refrained from agreeing to the sea route and has not yet made a concrete decision regarding their extraction. However, active joint consultations are underway to finalize a mechanism for the safe return of these individuals to their homeland, including their transfer by air. The Ministry expresses hope that the Ukrainian side will make a timely decision concerning the return of its citizens.

The Ministry reminds the public that in recent times, there have been numerous instances at the Dariali border crossing point where individuals arriving from Russia request to cross the Georgian state border with invalid documents, claiming to be Ukrainian citizens. Currently, approximately 80 such individuals are at the Georgian border, a significant portion of whom do not meet the criteria for entry into Georgia.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasises its crucial objective to protect safety and public order and to prevent the entry of individuals who could pose a threat to the security and peace of the population.