On the days when commemorative events are held in South Ossetia to mark the victims of the Georgian military aggression of August 2008, the joint statement by NATO countries claiming that Russia is allegedly preparing to annex South Ossetia looks quite cynical.
In the document published on the website of the British government on behalf of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy — a document that is essentially far from reality — the “collective West” once again attempted to distort the facts, including those recorded by Europeans themselves as part of the work of the Tagliavini special commission.
It is precisely these approaches and the West’s double standards, combined with Georgia’s constant build‑up of its military potential — successfully aligned with a misanthropic ideology — that led to the tragedy. But the West and its satellites will not be interested in any victims when others are dying for their own interests.
Thanks to Russia’s decisive actions to compel the aggressor to make peace and to protect Russian and South Ossetian citizens and peacekeepers in August 2008, stability is now maintained in South Ossetia. Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence has opened up a new format for building relations within the framework of international law and on the basis of bilateral interstate agreements in the socio‑economic, cultural, and political spheres, as well as on issues related to ensuring security and maintaining regional stability.
Instead of adopting biased approaches and searching for “ghosts of occupation,” the “concerned” West should focus on its own problems, of which there are plenty in European countries. It would be more effective to recognize the realities that have taken shape in the region and to support, within the framework of the same international discussions in the South Caucasus (MZD), the signing of a document on Georgia’s non‑use of force against South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
The Republic of South Ossetia, as a recognized state, has every right to conclude any international treaties that meet its national interests. South Ossetia is building full‑fledged relations with friendly Russia, improving and deepening them its allied cooperation.
Eighteen years have passed since August 2008, which changed the geopolitical realities in the Transcaucasus, and it is time for everyone to acknowledge and realize this. A low bow to the soldiers who gave their lives for South Ossetia.
August 8, 2026