15 Ukrainians declared hunger strike at the border with Georgia: what is known about the situation.

The number of Ukrainian hunger strikers in the basement of the border post 'Dariali' in Georgia has increased to 15, who have declared an indefinite hunger strike.

According to the protesters, they were deported from Russia and are illegally held at the border with Georgia, having their passports confiscated and being denied the opportunity to return to Ukraine.

Demands of the hunger strikers

'We want to appeal to society. We, 15 citizens of Ukraine, have been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 5. We were deported from Russia and are being held here illegally. Our passports have been taken from us, we are denied the right to leave for Ukraine', – stated the participants of the action.

The protesters demand the arrival of the Ukrainian consul, clarification of the reasons for their detention, the possibility to leave Georgian territory or receive international protection, medical examination, and cessation of their illegal detention.

Reason for the hunger strike

Former prisoners from Ukraine who are deported from Russia are sent to the border with Georgia. However, the authorities of Georgia and Moldova do not let them into their territory due to lack of documents or state that they pose a threat.

The Ukrainians are stuck at the border without the opportunity to return home due to the refusal of both Russian and Georgian authorities.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that negotiations with Russia regarding the conditions of holding the deported Ukrainians at the border with Georgia are already ongoing.