Georgia has begun denying entry to Ukrainian citizens deported by Russia, ending what was for a long time the only available route for many trying to return home. At the Dariali border checkpoint between Russia and Georgia, more and more Ukrainians—mostly from Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine—are arriving but are being refused entry. Many of them were imprisoned in occupied territories and deported by Russian authorities. Due to the ongoing war, they cannot return directly to Ukraine and hoped to transit through Georgia. However, Georgian border guards are not allowing them in. Now, dozens are stuck at the border in poor and unhygienic conditions, unsure how long they will have to wait.
Maria Bielkina, head of the Volunteers Tbilisi organization assisting Ukrainian refugees, said that as of July 2, 32 Ukrainians were stranded at the Dariali checkpoint. More are expected to arrive as Russia continues to deport Ukrainians from occupied areas. According to Bielkina, there are only 17 beds available, forcing people to sleep in shifts. The stranded Ukrainians are being kept in an unfinished section of the border station, which she described as resembling a basement.
Georgian authorities have recently started requiring updated proof of Ukrainian citizenship from all individuals seeking to enter, even from those holding valid Ukrainian passports. The problem is that most of the deportees were released from Russian custody without proper documents. Many were freed without identification, carrying only a basic release certificate or a piece of paper with a photo and verbal confirmation from fellow inmates. Previously, Ukrainians with passports were allowed through while those without had to wait, but now all are being held back, even those with valid IDs.
Aid workers say the new rules have effectively blocked Ukrainian deportees from entering Georgia. The government has not explained why these changes were introduced, but human rights organizations believe they are tied to a planned new migration law. The legislation could give Georgian authorities the right to deny entry or deport foreigners without providing a reason.
Bielkina said Russian authorities remain silent on the deportations. Formally, prisoners are released after serving their sentences, handed over to immigration authorities, and then issued deportation orders—often without legal support or a right to appeal. For many Ukrainians in this situation, Georgia was the only safe option to escape. Bielkina noted that until recently, Georgia accepted people who had only minimal ID documents, sometimes just a paper slip and confirmation from another prisoner.
Georgian officials have not commented on the current situation at the border. Bielkina said that for the past two years, Volunteers Tbilisi has not received a single reply from the authorities despite repeated inquiries. Humanitarian aid is being provided solely by volunteers, who bring food, water, medicine, and daily necessities to those stranded. Initially, detainees were not given any food or water. The only canned food provided by border authorities was expired. Some Ukrainians have reported serious health problems while waiting at the crossing.
This is not the first time Ukrainians deported from Russia have been held at Georgia’s border. In August 2023, six former Ukrainian prisoners were denied entry and had to wait ten days. In October of the same year, seven more were detained for 14 days. However, this is the first time such a large number of people has been held at once. Some deportees now say that on their journey to the Georgian border, Russian police attempted to recruit them into the military. It remains unclear how long they will be stuck at the border—or where they can go if Georgia ultimately refuses to let them in.
