Ukraine is urging Georgian authorities to permit the transfer of former President Mikheil Saakashvili for medical treatment, either to Ukraine or another country, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, in an interview with TV Pirveli.

Podolyak stressed that Saakashvili’s extradition is part of Ukraine’s broader agenda. “Bringing Saakashvili to Ukraine is indeed part of our plans. President Zelenskyy has consistently affirmed our position, as we consider him a full-fledged Ukrainian citizen,” he said.

Acknowledging Saakashvili’s significance in Georgia, Podolyak noted that Ukraine is coordinating with European and American partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the President’s Office, to advocate for his transfer. “Once again, we urge the Georgian authorities to allow us to transfer Saakashvili for medical purposes, if not to Ukraine, then at least to another country,” he added.

Podolyak concluded by emphasizing the priority of Saakashvili’s well-being: “Should a different legal pathway become available, President Zelenskyy will utilise it. Mikheil Saakashvili’s life is, without doubt, of utmost importance and value.”