Armenia Detains Georgian Wanted by Russia for Fighting in Ukraine, Family Warns of Risk

Armenian border guards detained 29-year-old Georgian citizen Giorgi Kinoiani last week after he crossed into Armenia from Georgia, his family told Radio Free Europe – Georgian Service. Kinoiani is wanted by Russia for allegedly fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine and has been placed in 40-day extradition custody.

“Armenian border guards stopped him and detained him on the spot because, as I was told, a message popped up on their computer saying that Giorgi was wanted by Russia and that his detention was requested,” his brother, Vako Kinoiani, told Radio Free Europe – Georgian Service.

Kinoiani was first taken to a police station, then to a detention facility. On Friday evening, a court ordered his temporary custody pending possible extradition. His family fears that if he is sent to Russia, he could face inhumane or life-threatening treatment. Russian authorities have already been notified, and Moscow now has 40 days to formally request his extradition.

Armenia’s Interior Ministry confirmed the arrest, saying the case had been reported to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Justice Ministry, and the Russian Federation, which initiated the search.

A court in Donetsk issued an arrest warrant for Kinoiani in October 2024. He faces seven years in prison on charges of “mercenary activity.” Russia accuses him of fighting in Ukraine alongside the Georgian Legion, a volunteer unit that includes other Georgian citizens wanted by Moscow.

Kinoiani’s family has appealed to the Georgian government, warning that “Georgia must not allow this” and urging authorities to secure his return. Georgian lawmakers said state institutions were monitoring the case, noting that Armenia and Russia both have bilateral extradition treaties that could complicate the situation.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Armenia has refused to extradite Russian nationals wanted on political charges. It remains unclear whether Yerevan will take the same approach in Kinoiani’s case.

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