Levan Varshalomidze of the UNM was briefly detained in Kazakhstan reportedly at Russia’s request but has since been released. Allegations from Russia included participation in combat operations in Ukraine, which Varshalomidze denies. The incident reflects ongoing political tensions between Georgia and Russia.
The United National Movement (UNM) has reported that Levan Varshalomidze, a political figure from the party, was briefly detained at a Kazakhstan airport allegedly at Russia’s request while crossing the border. This information was shared with journalists by the UNM, who announced the detention on Tuesday evening, followed by confirmation of Varshalomidze’s release by Levan Antadze, the head of the party’s Batumi branch, the following afternoon.
Varshalomidze, an associate of ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili and a significant figure in the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara from 2004 to 2012, has held various government positions in Ukraine during the tenures of Presidents Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelenskyi. He was appointed as the head of Ukraine’s Investment Fund in 2020, indicating his impactful role in both Georgian and Ukrainian politics.
The UNM has disclosed that a criminal case against Varshalomidze had been initiated in Russia, prompting his arrest in Kazakhstan. Gia Baramidze, a party member, expressed that Varshalomidze faced accusations by Moscow of participating in combat operations in Ukraine, which he disputes, asserting that Varshalomidze’s contributions were solely in an investment capacity.
While the UNM did not detail the origins of the claim regarding Russia’s involvement, Russian media previously noted that Varshalomidze ranked among Georgian citizens wanted by Moscow for alleged mercenary activities. Another party member, Tina Bokuchava, highlighted Varshalomidze’s significant contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine, implying that such involvement has led to his persecution by Russian authorities.
Antadze mentioned that Varshalomidze retained a lawyer and that both the Georgian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministries were in talks with Kazakhstan’s officials. However, he did not clarify the specifics surrounding Varshalomidze’s release. OC Media has reached out to the Georgian Foreign Ministry for comments but has yet to receive a response regarding the situation.
In summary, Levan Varshalomidze, a member of the United National Movement, was detained in Kazakhstan but has since been released. His detention appears to have been linked to accusations from Russia concerning actions in Ukraine. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Georgia and Russia, particularly relating to the involvement of Georgian nationals in Ukrainian politics and the geopolitical implications of these interactions.
Original Source: oc-media.org
