Georgian officer appointed to command role in Ukraine’s Azov formation, ex-Pres Saakashvili

A Georgian officer, Giorgi Kuparashvili, has been appointed commander of a mechanised regiment within Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, associated with the Azov Regiment, Georgia’s convicted former President Mikheil Saakashvili has announced.

Writing on social media on Thursday, Saakashvili said Kuparashvili had previously served as part of his personal security detail and later joined him in New York City before relocating to Ukraine.

He described Kuparashvili as one of the early figures involved in the formation of the Azov unit alongside Andriy Biletsky, where he was responsible for training personnel.

Saakashvili said the officer was seriously wounded during the siege of Mariupol, including fighting linked to the Azovstal, and was later evacuated to Kyiv. After recovering, he returned to service and was promoted to the rank of colonel.

In his statement, Saakashvili also referred to other Georgian fighters involved in conflicts abroad, drawing parallels with historical figures such as Dimitri Amilakhvari and John Shalikashvili.

He added that Georgian volunteers fighting in Ukraine view their role as part of a broader struggle linked to Georgia’s own territorial integrity.