Armenia denies extradition of Georgian сitizen to Russia for fighting in Ukraine

Georgiy Kinoyan, a Georgian citizen detained in Armenia for fighting against Russia in Ukraine, has been released, according to a social media post by civil activist Georgiy Tumasyan.

Tumasyan reported that Armenia refused to extradite Kinoyan to Russia, citing concerns for his safety. The activist also expressed hope that a similar decision would be made regarding Vano Sabashvili, another Georgian citizen detained in Armenia at Russia’s request, Caliber.Az reports per Ekho Kavkaza.

Kinoyan was sentenced in absentia by a Donetsk court on October 25, 2024, to seven years in prison. He was found guilty under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to participation in "mercenary combat operations." The sentence relates to Kinoyan’s involvement in combat on the side of Ukraine, where he fought as part of the "Georgian Legion"—a volunteer unit of Georgian fighters supporting Ukraine.

Russia has also sentenced the founder of the Georgian Legion, Mamuka Mamulashvili, and several other Georgian fighters to prison terms in absentia.

Kinoyan was detained on September 3, 2025, after crossing from Georgia into Armenia. 

By Sabina Mammadli