Russian occupation forces have illegally detained three Georgian citizens near the village of Khurvaleti in the Gori municipality, according to the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG). One of the detainees has since been released and has returned to territory under the control of the central government, while two others remain in unlawful custody.

In response to the incident, the SSSG promptly activated the emergency hotline in coordination with the European Union Monitoring Mission. The situation has also been reported to the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions and to Georgia's international partners.

“All available mechanisms have been activated to secure the swift release of the detained Georgian citizens. The occupying force bears full responsibility for all destructive actions in Georgia’s occupied territories and along the occupation line,” the SSSG stated.