Russia must withdraw its occupation forces from Georgian territory, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Kevin Hamilton said in a statement marking the 18th anniversary of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia War.
“Eighteen years ago today, Russia invaded Georgia. That attack and Russia’s subsequent occupation of Georgian territory remain as illegal and unacceptable today as they were in 2008,” Hamilton said.
He reiterated NATO’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
“NATO stands firmly behind Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Russia must withdraw its occupation forces from Georgian territory,” Hamilton said.
He also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Georgia and NATO, describing Georgia as one of the Alliance’s closest partners for decades.
“Our partnership remains as strong as ever today – grounded in practical cooperation, driven by an unwavering commitment to resilience and stability, and firmly focused on the future,” Hamilton said.
This year marks 18 years since the 2008 military conflict between Georgia and Russia, commonly referred to as the August War.
Fighting between Georgian and Russian forces escalated in the Tskhinvali region on August 7, 2008. Russia deployed additional military forces into Georgia on August 8, and the conflict developed into a full-scale war.
An EU-mediated ceasefire agreement was reached on August 12. Hundreds of people were killed and tens of thousands were displaced as a result of the war. Georgia lost control over additional territories in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia.
On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. Georgia and most of the international community regard both regions as parts of Georgia under Russian occupation.
