Levan Varshalomidze of the UNM was temporarily detained in Kazakhstan at Russia’s request but has since been released. His detention is linked to a criminal case initiated against him in Russia, claiming he participated in combat in Ukraine, which UNM representatives contest. Varshalomidze remains involved in diplomacy, with both Georgian and Ukrainian authorities aiding his case.
The opposition party United National Movement (UNM) reported that one of its politicians, Levan Varshalomidze, was temporarily detained at an airport in Kazakhstan while crossing the border, allegedly at the request of Russia. The UNM announced Varshalomidze’s detention on a Tuesday evening, and by Wednesday afternoon, the head of the party’s Batumi branch, Levan Antadze, confirmed his release, although ongoing legal processes were still anticipated.
Varshalomidze, an associate of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, led the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara during the UNM’s tenure from 2004 to 2012. Furthermore, he held various government roles in Ukraine under Presidents Petro Poroshenko and Volodymyr Zelenskyi, even serving as the head of Ukraine’s Investment Fund in 2020.
Numerous UNM members indicated that a criminal case had been initiated against Varshalomidze in Russia, claiming his detention in Kazakhstan was influenced by Moscow. Party member Gia Baramidze asserted that Russia accused Varshalomidze of engaging in “combat operations” in Ukraine, which Baramidze refuted, stating Varshalomidze did not partake in military actions despite his supportive role in Ukraine as the head of the investment council.
The UNM did not disclose the origin of their information regarding the Russian request; however, prior reports indicated Varshalomidze was among 100 Georgians wanted by Moscow for alleged mercenary activities. Tina Bokuchava, a party representative, emphasized Varshalomidze’s significant contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine, suggesting that this dedication has led to Russian persecution.
Antadze mentioned to OC Media that Varshalomidze had legal representation and asserted that both the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukrainian officials were in communication with Kazakh authorities, though specific details regarding his release were not provided. Efforts to obtain comments from the Georgian Foreign Ministry have gone unanswered.
In recent years, Varshalomidze engaged in Georgian politics as a member of parliament since 2020. He later chose not to retain his seat following the 2021 local elections, contesting their official results. Additionally, Varshalomidze contested the UNM leadership elections in 2020 but lost to Nika Melia.
In summary, Levan Varshalomidze’s brief detention in Kazakhstan raised significant concerns regarding international relations and alleged Russian influence. Despite the accusations posed by Russian authorities, the UNM stands firm in defending Varshalomidze’s contributions to both Georgia and Ukraine. His return, facilitated through legal channels and diplomatic efforts, underscores the complexities surrounding geopolitical tensions between these nations and Russia.
Original Source: oc-media.org
