Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the developments around Georgia’s ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili are cruel and “such treatment should be stopped”.

In a daily video address, the President of Ukraine urged the Georgian government to transfer the ex-president to another European country or the US for medical treatment.

“I’d like to convey this message to all of our friends and conscientious citizens in Georgia. Everyone is probably aware of Mikheil Saakashvili’s current state of health. As a result, I urge the people of Georgia, as well as the Georgian authorities, to show mercy, especially on Christmas Eve. What is going on with Mykhailo right now is cruel. This does not suit Georgia. This must end. Please make a life-saving decision. Transfer Mikheil Saakashvili to a clinic in Ukraine, another European country, or the United States. It’s the right moment to make this positive step,” added Zelensky.

Given Saakashvili’s rapidly deteriorating health, the Georgian court is considering whether his sentence should be suspended or deferred. The next hearing date is set on December 22.