**Ukrainians Trapped in Transit Zone, Tbilisi Denies Entry**
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding at the Georgian-Russian transit zone, where dozens of Ukrainians are stranded after being deported from Russia. The number of affected individuals has been estimated to be between 80 and 90.
The situation began to surface weeks ago, with reports of dire conditions, including a windowless basement with limited air circulation and insufficient beds. Deportees described being trapped in the basement with no way to go outside, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses, and not provided with water or food.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, accused Russia of “weaponizing deportations” through Georgia. He proposed that Russia transport the deported Ukrainians directly to the Ukrainian border instead of leaving them stranded in the transit zone.
**Georgia Denies Entry Citing Criminal Records**
However, Georgian authorities have denied entry to the stranded Ukrainians, citing their “criminal past.” The Georgian Interior Ministry stated that most of the individuals have a serious criminal record and have been convicted numerous times for grave or particularly grave crimes. They claimed that they had offered Kyiv to transport the individuals to Ukraine via sea and air routes but that the Ukrainian side had abstained from using the sea route.
The Ukrainian government has denied these allegations, stating that Russia is indeed deporting Ukrainians through Georgia. They have actively worked with Georgia and Moldova to arrange transportation for the stranded citizens. According to Sybiha, 43 citizens have already been evacuated through this route.
**Volunteers Raise Alarm Over “Humanitarian Catastrophe”**
Volunteers working with Ukrainian deportees have raised alarm over the situation, describing it as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” They claimed that the conditions in the transit zone are unbearable, with people trapped in an unventilated room and lacking access to basic necessities like water and food.
The volunteers also criticized the narrative of Georgian authorities about arriving Ukrainians asking to cross the border. They stated that the Ukrainians were deported from Russia not of their own free will and that Georgia is the only land border through which Russia can hand over Ukrainian citizens to Ukraine.
**A Growing Crisis**
This crisis has been ongoing since 2023, with reports of deportations increasing recently. The situation has escalated to a point where the volunteers have expressed concerns about violence inside the transit zone due to high psychological and moral tension.
The Ukrainian government is working to resolve this issue, but it remains unclear when or if the stranded Ukrainians will be able to return home safely.
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