24-hour hotline for Georgian citizens in Kiev

A 24-hour hotline is operating for Georgian citizens living in Ukraine, as renewed clashes between protestors and police in central Kiev continues and the death toll continues to soar.

The exact number of deaths is unclear however Ukrainian media claim more than 50 people have been killed in the riots.

The Georgian Embassy in Ukraine has warned Georgian citizens in Ukraine to stay safe and if said any threats were made against them as a result of the current situation, to contact the Georgia’s Council 24-hour hotline (see below).

Georgian Ambassador in Ukraine Mikheil Ukleba said the situation in Kiev was "uncontrolled” and called for Georgian citizens not to approach the Maidan, or Independence Square, which has been ground zero for anti-government protesters.

"Likely, no Georgian citizen has already called the hotline but I would like particularly to warn the Georgian journalists working in Kiev to avoid approaching the main protest sites,” Ukleba said.

Dozens of journalists, including reporters, photographers and cameramen working for Georgian television, newspapers, radio and online media are in Kiev to cover the issue.

According to latest official data, more than 100000 Georgian citizen live in Ukraine.

Two days ago a Georgian man was found dead in the centre of Kiev, where waves of ongoing demonstrations continue.

The man, 53-year-old Zurab Khurtsia, had lived in Kiev for the past two years.

Officials claimed Khurtsia died after suffering from a heart attack.

Meanwhile it has been suggested 17 protesters have been killed as European Union representative begins discussions about possibly imposing sanctions on Ukraine.

Officials said a meeting between EU Foreign Ministers and Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych was currently underway. This contradicted earlier media reports, which claimed the EU Ministers had left Ukraine without meeting the President.

The 24-hour hotline for Georgian’s in Ukraine is: +38 093 919 60 80; +38 093 302 48 48; +38 093 023 27 76.