Ukraine firmly supports Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing aggressive policy, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement marking the 17th anniversary of the 2008 August War.
The Ministry recalls that in 2008, Russia violated international law by launching an armed attack on Georgia, resulting in the occupation of 20% of its territory and the displacement of over 200,000 people. The Kremlin’s actions were described as the first major step in a broader imperial strategy later continued against Ukraine.
“The humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied regions of Georgia continues to worsen. Moscow restricts freedom of movement, detains civilians, and violates human rights,” the statement notes.
Ukraine does not recognize the so-called independence of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and calls on Russia to withdraw its forces in line with the 2008 ceasefire agreement and revoke its recognition of the regions.
Only a united international response, strict enforcement of international law, and strong sanctions, the Ministry said, can compel Russia to end its occupation of both Georgian and Ukrainian territories and ensure accountability for its war crimes.
