Deported Ukrainians held in windowless basement at Georgia border declare hunger strike

At least 15 Ukrainian citizens expelled from Russia launched a hunger strike at the Georgian border on August 6, demanding a visit from their consul. Sources told Novaya Gazeta Europe that they declared the hunger strike not to antagonize Georgia’s government but to compel Ukraine to help secure their release.

The Ukrainians are trapped in a windowless basement at the Dariali border checkpoint — the only crossing where Ukrainian nationals deported from Russia can exit. Since June 5, about 100 Ukrainians have been held in the cramped facility, which was designed to accommodate just 18 people. They include former prisoners and civilians who opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Georgia has denied them entry, citing “national security interests” and claiming most have “serious criminal histories.”

According to the Ukrainian human rights group ZMINA, Russia currently plans to deport another 800 detained Ukrainian nationals through Georgia. The organization has called on Russia to return these people directly to Ukraine at their shared border.