The 2008 Russo-Georgian War was fought between Georgia and Russia and the self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, supported by Russia. In August, following a period of deteriorating relations between Russia and Georgia, war broke out. Georgia was falsely accused of committing genocide and aggression against South Ossetia by Russia. On August 8, it launched a large-scale land, air, and sea invasion of Georgia, which it termed a "peace enforcement" operation. Russian forces temporarily occupied the Georgian cities of Zugdidi, Senaki, Poti, and Gori, holding on to these areas beyond the ceasefire. The South Ossetians destroyed most ethnic Georgian villages in South Ossetia and were responsible for the ethnic cleansing of Georgians.

On August 26, Russia recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia, and the Georgian government severed diplomatic relations with Russia. On October 8, Russia largely concluded its withdrawal of troops from the contested regions of Georgia. This war dislocated 192,000 individuals. While many returned to their homes following the war, as of 2014, 20,272 people, mostly ethnic Georgians, were still displaced. The European Court of Human Rights determined in 2021 that Russia maintained "direct control" over separatist regions and was responsible for grave human rights violations occurring there. Several Russian nationals were issued arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court in 2022 for committing war crimes against ethnic Georgians during the conflict.

A Statement from the Delegations of the United States and the European Union in Georgia

The US Embassy posted a brief video on Facebook featuring Ambassador Kelly Degnan and other American Embassy staff members expressing their support for Georgia in Georgian. "We remember the beginning. We recall this event. We recall the Russian military invasion of Georgia. Thousands of displaced people will not be forgotten. We will not ignore the victims. We will continue our efforts to discourage Russian aggression. We will continue to strive for peace. We'll support Georgia, "they stated.

In addition, the EU delegation condemned Russia's prolonged military presence in the occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine. They emphasised that Russia's continued occupation violates international law and its obligations under the 12 August 2008 accord. The EU delegation reaffirmed its support for peacekeeping efforts, citing the EU's role as co-chair of the Geneva International Discussions, the activities of the Special Representative, and the EU Monitoring Mission.

International and Regional Reactions

Joseph Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that the EU condemns Russia's prolonged illegal military presence in Georgia's Abkhazia and South Ossetia provinces. In addition to supporting the resolution of conflicts, the EU also supports Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, he added.

Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, stated that Russia's invasion of independent Georgia to stop its pro-European decision 14 years ago marked the beginning of a terrible trend. "Georgia adheres to the European system of values. The European Parliament continues to support the Georgian people ", she continued.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that the United States' support for the Georgian people remains unwavering as they seek to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Blinken emphasised that the United States continues to commemorate those killed and maimed by Russian troops. Regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Secretary of State remarked that it highlights the need for Georgians and Ukrainians to stand in solidarity.

Moreover, six members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament wrote: "We reaffirm our unwavering support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders." They emphasised that Russia initiated an aggressive war against Georgia in violation of international law fourteen years ago. They claimed that Russian aggression that went largely unpunished led to the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale, illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022. The MEPs criticised Russia for continuing borderization, debilitating occupation, so-called passportization, and other steps towards the de facto annexation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia territories of Georgia.

The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan also published a tweet about the topic. "Azerbaijan supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders," the Ministry stated.

A Statement from Georgian President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In a tweet, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili wrote, "1801; 1921; 1992; and 2008 are anniversaries that every Georgian remembers forever. They serve as an example of Russia's constant policy of armed occupation and invasion." President Zourabichvili added, "My thoughts are with our countrymen in the seized regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali."

Moreover, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "After 14 years of occupation, Russia does not comply with the Ceasefire Agreement mediated by the EU on August 12, 2008, and expands its illegal control in the occupied regions, continues the process of their militarization, and takes active steps towards their de facto annexation." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the decision demonstrated the futility of Russia's decades-long effort to avoid legal responsibility for the illegal occupation of Georgian territory and its consequences. The governmental body also emphasised the importance of international assistance for Georgia, especially in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which undermines the security of the entire region and disregards the fundamental principles and norms of international law.