Marking 18 Years Since Russia’s Illegitimate Invasion of Georgia: A Unified Statement

Representatives from the governments of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy have issued a statement reflecting on the significant impact of Russian imperialism, particularly commemorating the events of August 7, 2008. On this date, the Russian Federation initiated military action against Georgia, exacerbating the country’s territorial challenges by occupying the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

As we mark eighteen years since this act of aggression, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as recognised by international standards. We also applaud the Republic of Naoero for its decision to retract its recognition of the purported independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, encouraging other nations with diplomatic ties to these regions to consider a similar course of action.

Condemning Continued Russian Occupation

Our condemnation of Russia’s persistent military presence in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains firm. This occupation is in direct violation of international law and contravenes Russia’s obligations as outlined in the six-point agreement established on 12 August 2008. Furthermore, the ongoing militarisation of these territories poses a significant threat not only to Georgia’s security but also to the stability of the broader region and Europe as a whole.

In a significant ruling in October 2025, the European Court of Human Rights found the Russian Federation culpable for various violations in these occupied areas, highlighting issues such as excessive use of force, ill-treatment, unlawful detentions, and restrictions on movement across the administrative boundary line. We call upon Russia to adhere to the Court’s decisions regarding this matter and to honour the commitments made on 12 August and 8 September 2008.

Concerns Over Recent Developments

Our concerns are further heightened by recent developments in South Ossetia. The “Agreement on Deepening Alliance and Cooperation” signed on 9 May 2026 between Moscow and the self-proclaimed authorities of South Ossetia constitutes a blatant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in clear contravention of international law. This agreement, coupled with the appointment of a Russian national to lead the region, raises alarms about the potential for a complete annexation, an act that would elicit a strong response from the international community.

Support for Dialogue and Monitoring Efforts

We continue to express our unwavering support for the “Geneva International Discussions” (GID) platform, which is co-chaired by the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations. This framework remains critical for facilitating dialogue and working towards a resolution of the ongoing conflict. We also commend the efforts of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and reaffirm our commitment to supporting its vital role in the region.