Georgian fighter sentenced to 14 years in absentia in Russian-occupied Donetsk

The so-called Supreme Court of the Russian-occupied Donetsk region has sentenced Georgian fighter Nadim Khmaladze to 14 years in a strict regime colony, in absentia, Russian media sources reported on Monday, citing the region’s prosecutor’s office.

Khmaladze, a Georgian national, is accused of participating in military operations in the Ukrainian cities of Irpin, Gostomel, and Bucha.

Russian authorities claimed he had fought against representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic as well as Russian military personnel, in collaboration with various armed formations.

The Russian prosecutor’s office also alleged that Khmaladze, described as a “mercenary,” was paid a salary of 745,000 rubles for his involvement in the conflict.

Khmaladze in 2022 publicly said that Russian forces had poisoned fighters in the city of Gostomel. After the incident, he reportedly sought medical treatment in Ukraine before returning to Georgia.