On 7–8 August, commemorative events will be held in the Republic of South Ossetia dedicated to the 18th anniversary of Georgia's armed aggression against South Ossetia.
Eighteen years ago, on the night of 7–8 August, Georgia, during the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing and in gross violation of the fundamental principles of international law, attacked the positions of the Ossetian and Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in South Ossetia on a peacekeeping mission to settle the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, as well as the city of Tskhinval and the settlements of the Republic.
As a result of the large-scale armed aggression carried out within the framework of the criminal plan "Clear Field," developed in advance with the participation of foreign advisers and approved by Georgia's highest political leadership — a plan whose aim was the complete destruction of South Ossetia, the suppression of the will of the Ossetian people and the total expulsion of the surviving civilians from their native places — hundreds of innocent people, including Russian peacekeepers, were killed and wounded, and thousands were left without shelter. Georgian tanks and artillery struck exclusively civilian targets: residential neighbourhoods, schools, a hospital and public buildings, and fired point-blank at vehicles carrying refugees.
Meanwhile, the "enlightened" world community, enjoying the vivid emotions of the Olympics, silently watched the extermination of the Ossetian people. Such methods of terror are, regrettably, nothing new. The regime in Tbilisi was not original in resolving the "Ossetian question" and availed itself of a long-tested anti-human ideology of the superiority of one so-called titular nation over others, tried out against the Ossetians as early as the beginning of the 20th century, and by Zviad Gamsakhurdia at the end of the 20th century.
There is no doubt that the Georgian leadership's confidence in the impunity of its actions was in every way encouraged by Western countries' all-out support for Georgia's political ambitions. Only thanks to the fortitude, unparalleled courage and selflessness of the defenders of Tskhinval, the Ossetian and Russian peacekeepers and servicemen, and the decisive and timely intervention of the Russian Federation, did South Ossetia withstand the onslaught and was saved from destruction.
Eighteen years on, Georgia, ignoring the findings of the investigation by the European Union commission headed by H. Tagliavini, which found Georgia guilty of unleashing the military adventure, still does not acknowledge its guilt for the attack of August 2008 and refuses to sign a legally binding document on the non-use of force against long-suffering South Ossetia.
The Russian Federation not only came to the aid of the people of South Ossetia and saved them from destruction, but also recognised the state independence of the Republic of South Ossetia, restoring historical justice and ensuring the security of South Ossetia and peace in the region.
Today, with profound sorrow, we remember all those who fell, paying tribute to the fortitude and heroism of our people. We bow low to those who, in the years of severe trial, sacrificed themselves for the well-being of future generations. Eternal memory to the Russian soldiers and officers who came to the aid of the people of South Ossetia and laid down their lives in the name of peace. Their selflessness will forever remain for us a symbol of valour and pride.
Commemorative events dedicated to the eighteenth anniversary of the outbreak of Georgia's war against South Ossetia will also be held in Moscow, Sukhum, Tiraspol and other countries.
7 August 2026