Seven years have passed since the tragic events in August 2008. Then, on the night of the 8th of August 2008, Georgia fired on South Ossetia from multiple Grad rocket launchers. Georgian troops attacked the republic and destroyed part of its capital Tskhinvali. Russia sent troops into the republic and after five days of fighting ousted Georgian troops from the region. Abkhazia, meanwhile ousted Georgian troops from the upper Kodori Gorge. On August 26th 2008 the Russian Federation recognized the sovereignty of the two autonomous regions. Russia's leaders have repeatedly stated that recognition of the independence of the two former Georgian autonomies reflects current realities and is not subject to revision.
Speaking about the events of those years, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spoke today about the only way to preserve a peaceful resolution of internal conflicts. "Recent events have convinced us once again that the peaceful resolution of internal conflicts is the only way to save peoples and states,’’ he said. The head of government also noted that Russia has always brought peace in the Caucasus. "Today we are helping to build a safe and secure life in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Medvedev concluded.
The President of South Ossetia, Leonid Tibilov, said in turn that only "the limitless courage of Ossetian fighters and Russian peacekeepers helped us to hold onto Tskhinvali before the approach of the forces of the 58th Army. The tanks entered the city in time."
"It's hard to convey the people’s hope and faith in Tskhinvali, when they were waiting for the Russian army. It was just a matter of life and death. And on the second day, there were signs, wherever possible, saying: "Thank you, Russia,’’ he said. At the same time, Tibilov expressed confidence that Russia is an absolute guarantor of peace in the Caucasus.
