Commemorative events dedicated to the 17th anniversary of the armed aggression of Georgia against South Ossetia will be held in the Republic of South Ossetia on August 7-8.
On August 2008, while the world was watching the opening of the XXIX Summer Olympics in Beijing, Georgia, in violation of fundamental principles of international law and agreements, treacherously attacked South Ossetia. Georgian armed forces, trained in accordance with NATO standards, launched massive shelling on residential areas of the capital of the Republic and other settlements, causing numerous victims among civilian population. Russian peacekeepers, who were carrying internationally mandated peacekeeping mission, were attacked as well. Civil infrastructure, social and medical facilities were destroyed.
The Georgian blitzkrieg plans smashed against the fortitude and courage of South Ossetian defense force and Russian peacekeepers. The timely decisive actions of the Russian Federation on forcing the aggressor to peace played the key role in saving the people of South Ossetia from extermination.
The suspension of bloodshed was followed by the historic decision of the Russian Federation dated August 26, 2008 on the recognition of the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia.
Despite the conclusions of the report of the independent EU commission headed by Heidi Tagliavini, which confirmed the fact of Georgian aggression, the official Tbilisi not only did not admit its responsibility, but over 17 years has been blocking the signing of an agreement on non-use of force against South Ossetia and has not ceased its efforts to review the political results of August 2008.
Our pain has not subsided. Today we bow our heads in memory of the fallen heroes, who did not spare their lives for the sake of decent future of their nation. Eternal memory for Russian soldiers and officers who fell for freedom of South Ossetia. Their feat will forever remain a point of pride and admiration.
Commemorative events dedicated to the 17th anniversary of the beginning of Georgia’s war against South Ossetia will also be held in diplomatic representations of the Republic of South Ossetia in Moscow, Sukhum and Tiraspol.
7 August 2025