The Georgian National Legion – is a military volunteer formation that arose in the beginning of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The main purpose of which is to help the fraternal Ukrainian people in the defense of territorial integrity and independence during the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The initiator of the creation and direct its founder is the Commander of the Georgian National Legion – Mamuka Mamulashvili.
"Ukrainians in the 90's were very helpful to Georgia in the fight against the occupation forces of Russia during the Abkhaz conflict. Ukraine was the only country that openly assisted Georgia in confronting Russia. I believe that it is the duty of every Georgian to come and help Ukraine. Therefore, the fact that we are here not at all strange. For example, my friend, whom Ukrainian soldiers were rescued in Georgia when he was six years old, fights with me now. We are here because it is this line of the front, where the boundary of freedom and independence passes both to Ukraine and Georgia. This is next line of military confrontation between two different ideologies, the war of two worlds. It's not just a war for freedom and independence, yet a war against Russian medieval obscurantism, ignorance and imperial pseudo-grandeur", - Commander of the Georgian National Legion Mamuka Mamulashvili.
History of the Georgian National Legion
Together with compatriots who have experience in military operations, Mamulashvili arrived in Ukraine immediately after the start of Russian aggression in Donbass. Almost all of them are former Georgian soldiers who participated in military operations in Georgia or in international missions beyond their countries. A joint combat unit, called "Georgian National Legion", was created. From the first days of the war, they participated in combat operations throughout the front line, supported soldiers and militia at various positions, taught Ukrainian guys how to repulse the occupiers directly on the front line.
Military tasks of the Georgian National Legion
Participation in combat and special operations of sabotage and reconnaissance, participation in training events and training of Ukrainian servicemen, and other combat tasks in close interaction and cooperation with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
«We mainly carry out reconnaissance and sabotage tasks in the territory of the enemy. This is the main task of the Legion. Although it had to take part in positional battles» - says the Commander of the Georgian National Legion.
After officially joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fighters of the Georgian National Legion carry out combat tasks in accordance with orders and instructions of the Ukrainian command.
Before the official reception of the 25th Battalion "Kiev Rus" in the Georgian National Legion took place exclusively on a voluntary basis, that is to say, free of charge, and no money was paid to the Legionary. From January 2016, fighters of the Georgian National Legion are equated in all their rights to the ordinary and junior command personnel of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Composition of the Georgian National Legion
only ethnic Georgians, both citizens of Georgia, and Ukrainian citizens who are ethnic Georgians. Persons who wish to join the Georgian National Legion are carefully selected on their physical, moral, psychological and military qualities.
«Many people, both citizens of Georgia and other countries, are turning to us. But our selection is very hard. Not everyone can fall into our unit. Everyone who wants is thoroughly checked and selected. Because of this, the size of our Legion is not large enough» - says Commander of the Georgian National Legion Mamuka Mamulashvili.
The exact number of Georgian citizens participating in the defense of Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity is not disclosed in order to ensure their security.
Unfortunately, during the time of its existence, the fighters of the Georgian National Legion are fighting losses. On December 19, 2014, Alexander (Aleko) Grigolashvili died near the village of Old Aidar (near the city of Shchastia of Luhansk region), on July 2, Konstantin (Kote) Lashkhia died near the city of Mariupol of the Donetsk region.
Symbols of the Georgian National Legion
ОThe basis of the emblem of the Georgian National Legion is a shield dyed in the colors of the flag of Ukraine, which embodies not only guard and protection, but also loyalty, trust and support. The shield depicts the head of a wolf, which symbolizes the Georgian nation (pre-Christian times the Persians called Georgians "gyurji", which in Persian means "wolf"). On the forehead of the wolf is a map of Georgia painted in the colors of its national flag and borders that it had before the Russian occupation.
The author and designer of the emblem of the Georgian National Legion was one of the Legion's fighters - Alexander Grigolashvili, who died in December 2014 in the Donbass.
Media about the Georgian National Legion
- The commander of the Georgian legion become the first foreigner to receive the military ticket of the UAF (02.04.2016)
- Commander of the "Georgian Legion" in the Donbass: A man with self-interested goals is a coward in a critical moment. He has nothing to die for(26.05.2015)
- 99 percent of Georgians support Ukraine in this war - the commander of the Georgian Legion (29.04.2015)
- Commander of the Georgian Legion Mamuka MAMUSLAVVILI: "The war in Ukraine will end soon - it's the convulsions of the Russian government"(20.02.2015)
- Combat of the Georgian Legion - about what the Georgians are fighting in Ukraine (09.02.2015)
- The head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate, Philaret, awarded medals of volunteers from Georgia who participate in the ATO (09.02.2015)
- Commander of "Georgian Legion" Mamulashvili: War in Ukraine is coming to an end - it's the latest convulsions of the Russian authorities(28.01.2015)
- "Georgian National Legion": we are fighting for the freedom of Ukraine and Georgia on the Donbass(26.01.2015)
- Georgian "legionaries" in the Donbass: we defend Ukraine, we fight with a common enemy (17.01.2015)
- The fighters of the Georgian National Legion told why they help Ukraine in the war in the Donbass(17.01.2015)
- Georgian "legionaries" in the Donbass: we defend Ukraine, we fight with a common enemy (17.01.2015)
- The fighters of the Georgian National Legion have told that they help Ukraine in the war in the Donbass (17.01.2015)
- Georgian Legion joined the AFU 24.02.2016
- "Georgian Legion" fights in the Donbass, defending Ukraine 08.08.2016
«Грузинский легион» воюет на Донбассе, защищая Украину