2008 August War

7 August marks 18 years since Russia launched its full-scale military aggression against Georgia.

Through its military aggression, the occupation of two integral regions of a sovereign state, the perpetration of ethnic cleansing and subsequent unlawful actions, Russia has flagrantly violated the fundamental norms and principles of international law.

18 years later, Russia continues to occupy Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions and persists in its hybrid activities and other aggressive actions against Georgia, including:

- Russia continues to blatantly violate the 12 August 2008 EU-mediated Ceasefire Agreement, including its obligation to withdraw its occupying forces from the territory of Georgia;

- Furthermore, Russia's reinforced illegal military presence in the occupied regions, the military exercises conducted therein, and its refusal to undertake a legally binding commitment on the non-use of force constitute the use of force against Georgia and an explicit threat of the use of force;

- Alongside the installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers along the occupation line, the various recent unlawful so-called "integration" actions attest to a transition to a new, intensified phase of Russia's policy of the gradual annexation of Georgia's occupied territories.

Following the 2008 military aggression, Russia “killed” the UN and OSCE missions in Georgia, turning the occupied territories into "black holes." Despite the extremely alarming security and human rights situation on the ground, Moscow continues to oppose the establishment of international security mechanisms, access of the EUMM to the occupied territories and full implementation of its mandate.

In this context, we emphasize the need for increased international diplomatic and political pressure on Russia to compel it to fulfill its obligations under the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, de-occupy Georgia's occupied territories, ensure return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes, and implement the relevant judgments of international courts.

We express our gratitude to the partner countries that stood firmly with Georgia and the Georgian people during Russia's aggression in 2008. We highly value their unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their efforts towards the de-occupation and strengthening the non-recognition policy of the occupied regions.

The sacrifice and bravery of the Georgian heroes who fought against Russia's military aggression will forever hold a place in our nation's history. We bow before the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our homeland, and extend our deepest condolences to their families.