**Ukrainian Citizens Trapped at Georgia Border for Over Two Months Declare Hunger Strike**
A group of at least 15 Ukrainian citizens, who have been stranded in a basement near the Russian-Georgian border for more than two months, have taken drastic action to draw attention to their plight. According to reports from Novaya Gazeta Europe on August 6, the detainees have declared a hunger strike, demanding a visit from a Ukrainian consul, clarification on their prolonged detention, access to food and medical care, and their immediate release.
The group of around 100 Ukrainians is trapped at the buffer zone at Georgia’s Dariali border crossing. Many lack proper documentation, making it difficult for Georgian authorities to verify their identities, which has led to delays in processing their cases. The detainees include former prisoners who were deported by Russia after completing their sentences and civilians who were expelled for opposing Moscow’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The situation is dire, with witnesses describing the conditions as inhumane. The detainees are being held in a cramped, windowless basement at the border crossing, with limited access to food, water, or medical care. The Georgian Interior Ministry has claimed that the group has made no specific demands of Tbilisi and that their aim is to return home with assistance from the Red Cross and Ukrainian diplomats.
However, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has taken a stronger stance, accusing Russia of “weaponizing the deportation” of Ukrainian citizens through Georgia. On July 19, the ministry said that 43 Ukrainians were successfully evacuated from the site, but instead of being repatriated directly through Ukraine, 56 citizens were taken to Georgia.
**The Situation in Numbers**
* At least 15 Ukrainian citizens have declared a hunger strike
* Over 100 Ukrainians are stranded at the buffer zone at Georgia’s Dariali border crossing
* Many lack proper documentation, making it difficult for Georgian authorities to verify their identities
* The detainees include former prisoners who were deported by Russia and civilians who were expelled for opposing Moscow’s full-scale war against Ukraine
* 43 Ukrainians were successfully evacuated from the site on July 19
* However, 56 citizens were taken to Georgia instead of being repatriated directly through Ukraine
**What Next?**
The situation at the Dariali border crossing remains unclear. Georgian authorities have yet to explain when the deportees may be released. The hunger strike by the detainees is a desperate attempt to draw attention to their plight and prompt urgent action from Kyiv.
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