Commentators debated Partskhaladze's initiative with the unit for the special military operation.

Georgian fighters are unlikely to follow former Attorney General of Georgia Otar Partskhaladze and join the unit he is creating to participate in the special military operation in Ukraine, stated some social media users. Other commentators supported Partskhaladze's decision to form such a unit and wished its participants success.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 7, former Attorney General of Georgia Otar Partskhaladze, living in Russia, announced the creation of the international unit "Georgievsky" to participate in combat operations in Ukraine. He stated that he himself became the commander of the unit and voluntarily went to Ukraine to participate in the fighting on the side of Russia.

Users doubted the prospects of Partskhaladze's unit

On the "Caucasian Knot" Facebook page, two posts were published discussing Otar Partskhaladze's announcement of the creation of a unit for participation in the special military operation. As of 1:00 PM Moscow time on September 9, these posts collectively garnered 1497 comments.

Some users doubted that Partskhaladze would be able to attract fighters from Georgia to the unit. "Georgians are smart people. No one will go for this [vividly expressive expression]", stated Altai Omarbekow.

"There is a saying in Georgia: 'a worthless dog ran into the forest'. Who will go for such a [vividly expressive expression]?" wrote user Fa Ti.

"And who is your military contingent? <…>" asked Meruzhan Savtalyan.

Other users called Partskhaladze's participation in combat on the side of Russia treason. "Don't we have enough of our own affairs here in Georgia? It doesn't matter whose side you're on, but if it's not on Georgia's side, you're a traitor", stated Niko Bolkvadze.

"Such are a disgrace for Georgia", wrote Dainius Ilčiukas.

Some commentators, on the contrary, supported Partskhaladze. "Otar! I express my gratitude to you, you, as a true Georgian, have not forgotten the friendship with Russia", emphasized Toktogul Kakchkeev.

"Thank God, there are still reasonable people among Georgians. Good luck to you and a speedy return home with victory", wished Armen Gevorgyan.

"A true Georgian with a capital letter. This person has both memory and a good teacher named – history", wrote Vitaly Gabaraev.

Russian courts periodically issue absentia sentences against Georgian fighters

Otar Partskhaladze, announcing the creation of the unit, stated that it was formed by his like-minded individuals and supporters advocating for "the unification of peoples and countries" and "the protection of traditional family values". He named the main task of the unit as the completion of the fight against what he considers a threat to the whole world, TASS reported on September 7.

In December 2022, the ruling party of Georgia, "Georgian Dream", informed volunteers heading to Ukraine that Georgian law allows for the deprivation of their citizenship for serving in foreign armies. Authorities want to curb Georgian participation in the fighting in Ukraine, seeing volunteers as a political threat, analysts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" stated.

Reports of the deaths of Georgian fighters in Ukraine are made periodically. For instance, in November 2025, Temur Shanava, who served in one of the Ukrainian units, was killed. In June 2025, a 22-year-old volunteer, Demetre Darchia, was killed in an explosion at a base . Some of the deceased Georgian volunteers officially served in Ukrainian military units. For example, Gurgen Gagnidze, a native of Zestafoni, who was buried in November with military honors in his homeland, reportedly belonged to the 25th Airborne Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russian courts have repeatedly issued absentia sentences against Georgian citizens for participating in combat on the side of Ukraine. In particular, in June of this year, a court in Russia sentenced Nuri Mitagvariya, a citizen of Georgia, to 14 years in absentia, recognizing him as a participant in combat on the side of Ukraine. In March, the court sentenced Shmagu Digmelashvili to 14 years, while Zaza Shonia received 28 years in prison on charges of mercenarism, terrorism, and a number of other articles.

Partskhaladze's conviction in Germany and alleged ties to the FSB

Otar Partskhaladze held the position of Attorney General of Georgia for less than two months – from November 7 to December 30, 2013. He resigned after the opposition revealed information about his conviction in Germany. Opposition members claimed that in 2001 he was convicted for stealing sneakers and robbery, while Partskhaladze himself stated that he was found guilty only in a conflict with a police officer.

In 2017, the head of the State Audit Service of Georgia, Lasha Tordia, stated that Partskhaladze, along with several people, attacked him in Tbilisi. Partskhaladze was charged, but in 2021 the court acquitted him. After leaving his government position, the volume of property owned by him significantly increased: while during his tenure as Attorney General, the family owned two properties with a total area of 226 square meters, by the end of 2018, Partskhaladze owned 24 properties with an area of 7900 square meters.

In September 2023, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions against Partskhaladze. The American agency claimed that he obtained Russian citizenship with the assistance of an FSB officer, and the FSB used Partskhaladze to influence Georgian society and politics in Russia's interests. After the sanctions were imposed, Partskhaladze's property in Georgia was transferred to his son, including a land plot with a personal church built by Partskhaladze.

In mid-September, the UK imposed sanctions against Otar Partskhaladze, believing that he supports the military operation of Russia in Ukraine.