De Facto Donetsk Court Sentences Georgian Fighter in Absentia to 14 Years

2026-03-25 - 10:31

The “Supreme Court” of the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk sentenced Georgian national Shmagi Dighmelashvili in absentia to 14 years in a “maximum-security penal colony” for fighting on Ukraine’s side “as a mercenary.” He has been placed on an international wanted list. The Donetsk de facto prosecutor’s office said in a March 23 statement that Dighmelashvili, 42, joined the Georgian National Legion in March 2022. The Georgian National Legion is a prominent unit of mostly Georgian fighters who have been fighting in Ukraine since 2014. In 2024, Russia designated it as a terrorist organization in Russia. The de facto prosecutor’s office said that Dighmelashvili underwent military training at a Ukrainian Armed Forces training base and fought against Russian troops through 2025. It further claimed that he received 3.5 million rubles as a “reward.” Also Read: 07/03/2026 – De Facto Donetsk Court Sentences Georgian Lawyer Beka Basilaia to 14 Years in Absentia 11/02/2026 – Donetsk Court Sentences Georgian Fighter in Ukraine to Life in Prison 03/02/2026 – Donetsk Court Sentences Georgian Opposition Politician to 6.5 Years for Fighting in Ukraine 26/12/2025 – Russia-Backed Court Sentences Georgian Medic to 15 Years in Absentia