**Stranded Ukrainians: A Humanitarian Crisis at the Georgia-Russia Border**
A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding at the Russia-Georgia border, where dozens of Ukrainian nationals have been stranded after being deported by Russia. The situation has been exacerbated by Georgia’s refusal to admit them, citing alleged criminal backgrounds.
According to Georgian Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, around 87 deportees are currently stuck in a “neutral zone” at the Dariali border crossing point. Despite efforts to return them to Ukraine via sea or air routes, the process has been delayed, sparking suspicions that the Ukrainian side wants these individuals to remain stranded for an extended period.
**Criminal Backgrounds: A Concern or a Pretext?**
Darakhvelidze emphasized that Georgia will not compromise its security and public order by admitting deportees with serious criminal records. However, critics have questioned whether this is a genuine concern or simply a pretext to avoid taking in these individuals.
The situation has worsened since initial successful efforts to repatriate some deportees via Moldova stalled due to concerns raised by Moldovan officials about the deportees’ intentions.
**Humanitarian Crisis: A Desperate Situation**
Activists have sounded the alarm over the poor conditions in which the deportees are being held, with limited beds and inadequate ventilation in the border zone. A disturbing video on social media showed one deportee inflicting self-harm out of desperation.
The deportees consist of several groups, including those who were jailed in Ukrainian territories and taken to Russia after the Russian occupation; Ukrainians who served their jail terms on Russian territory; and those without criminal records who were residents of Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories but were deported by Moscow after refusing Russian citizenship.
**A Hungry Strike: A Desperate Plea**
Over a dozen deportees had gone on a hunger strike demanding return to Ukraine, but Kyiv has so far dismissed the sea route and has yet to give a final confirmation regarding their organized return via charter flight.
**Ukraine Working to Unblock Transit Route**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded by saying they are working to “make the transit of the remaining citizens possible as soon as possible.” They have been cooperating with international humanitarian organizations and meeting with stranded deportees in the past days, providing medical assistance and agreeing on emergency medical aid if necessary.
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