Russo-Georgian War

2008 South Ossetia war
Part of Georgian-Ossetian conflict
Location of Georgia (including the breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia) and the Russian part of North Caucasus
Date August 7, 2008 – present Location Georgia Status Conflict ongoing
Belligerents
South Ossetian secessionists (Republic of South Ossetia) Russia Abkhazian secessionists (Republic of Abkhazia)	Georgia (including the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and the Provisional Administration of South Ossetia)
Commanders and leaders
Eduard Kokoity Dmitry Medvedev Anatoliy Serdyukov Marat Kulakhmetov Sergei Bagapsh	Mikheil Saakashvili Davit Kezerashvili Zaza Gogava
Strength
1 battalion of troops formerly used for peacekeeping, possibly 3,000 total Thousands of troops formerly used for peacekeeping, thousands of other troops in Georgia Reportedly at least hundreds (possibly thousands) of volunteers	1 battalion of troops formerly used for peacekeeping, unknown number of other troops. Reportedly small number of ethnic Georgian volunteers from Azerbaijan
Casualties and losses
Unknown 21 soldiers killed, 150 wounded, 14 missing in action (3 captured) (according to Russia) Russia confirms loss of 4 aircraft.	200 soldiers killed (Georgian claim)
Georgia claims around 100 civilian casualties Russia claims over 2,000 civilians in South Ossetia were killed
Up to 20,000 civilians displaced within Georgia, according to the United Nations refugee agency. According to Russia, a further 30,000 civilians have fled into Russia from South Ossetia (according to the HRW, some 24,000 of which around half may have returned as armed volunteers).

The 2008 South Ossetia war is a military conflict that started on August 7 2008 involving Georgia , South Ossetian (and Abkhazian) separatists and Russia .

South Ossetia and Abkhazia, territories within Georgia, have both declared independence from Georgia and have been acting in a de facto independent capacity since successful wars of independence against Georgia in the early 1990s. Neither state has been diplomatically recognised by any member of the United Nations. The conflict began in August 2008, when after declaring a ceasefire, Georgia claimed South Ossetian separatists had bombed Georgian villages, and launched a military offensive to surround and capture Tskhinvali, the breakway republic's de facto capital.

On August 8, Russia responded by moving additional troops across its official border with Georgia, bringing ground forces into South Ossetia and Abkhazia and launching airstrikes on targets elsewhere in the country. The Russian government's stated justification for entering Georgian territory was to protect its own forces and to prevent "a genocide by Georgian forces". As Georgia retreats from its offensive in South Ossetia, it claims it is defending itself from "Russian aggression." Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili claimed the Russians conducted a "well-planned invasion." Russia responded to the charge in the United Nations, pointing out Georgia had started the war by conducting a military operation against South Ossetia separatists. Georgia insisted it had earlier been provoked by attacks by South Ossetian militants, which South Ossetia repeatedly denies.

International observers have called for a peaceful solution to the conflict. The European Union and the United States expressed a will to send a joint delegation to try to negotiate a cease-fire. Russia ruled out peace talks with Georgia until it returned from South Ossetia and signed a legally binding pact renouncing the use of force against South Ossetia and Abkhazia Georgia had called for a ceasefire, although international organizations reported its shelling of the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali had not ceased.

Background

Main articles: Georgian-Ossetian conflict; South Ossetian independence referendum, 2006; and 2008 Georgia-Russia crisis

Georgian snipers during the small-scale Georgian-Ossetian hostilities in 2004.

The Ossetians are a distinct Iranic ethnic group whose origin lies along the Don River. They came to the Caucasus after they were driven out of their homeland by Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Some of them settled in territory now known as North Ossetia, which is now part of Russia, and South Ossetia, which is recognised by all members of the United Nations as part of Georgia. South Ossetia currently has a Georgian ethnic minority of about one fifth (14,000) of the total population (70,000). The region, which is one and a half times the area of Luxembourg (roughly 6% of the total territory of Georgia) broke away from Georgia in the 1991–1992 war (in which more than 2,000 people are believed to have died) because, as the BBC says, South Ossetians wanted to unite with the rest of their ethnic group in North Ossetia and did not want to accept being citizens of the Georgian government in Tbilisi. A force with 500 troops each from Russia, North Ossetia-Alania (part of Russia), South Ossetia and Georgia monitored a 1992 truce. Georgia accuses the Russian troops of siding with the separatists, which Moscow denies. Sporadic clashes between separatist and Georgian forces have killed dozens of people in the previous few years. The President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, proposed a peace deal under which South Ossetia would be given "a large degree of autonomy" within a federal state. The separatist leaders say they want full independence.

Restoring South Ossetia and Abkhazia—a region with a similar separatist movement—to Georgian control has been a major goal for Saakashvili since the Rose Revolution. Additionally, since 2002, the U.S. Army has been providing substantial amounts of support and training to Georgia. Georgian budget contains military costs estimated at USD 0.99-billion or about 4.5% of GDP (purchasing power parity), while Russian military spending jumped to USD 40-billion, with a 16% increase over last year.

The full independence of South Ossetia was supported by 99% of South Ossetia's civil population according to the South Ossetian independence referendum with 95.2% presence of population at the referendum.

Today, many of the residents of South Ossetia are Russian citizens holding Russian passports: according to the BBC, "more than half of South Ossetia's 70,000 citizens are said to have taken up Moscow's offer of a Russian passport." Russian President Dmitry Medvedev claims 90% of South Ossetia residents possess them. Russia has argued this justifies intervention to protect its citizens, within its peacekeeping mission.

Overview

After several years of dispute over the status of South Ossetia, Georgian troops (reportedly with Headquarters at Tirdznisi) conducted an operation to dislodge Russian peacekeepers from their positions, and occupy South Ossetia, notably its capital Tskhinvali.

Detailed map of the Caucasus region (1994), including locations of economicaly important energy and mineral resources: South Ossetia has reserves of lead and zinc, Abkhazia has coal, and Georgia has oil, gold, copper, manganese, and coal.

Georgian forces advanced into South Ossetia along three axes:
In the western Ossetia-Georgia border sector

• Georgian troops advanced along the 40 km (25 mi) western border as far north as Kvaisi to a depth of some 5–15 km (3.1–9.3 mi). A separate axis of advance sought to occupy Znaur or advance beyond it to about 20 km (12 mi) into the Southern Ossetian territory. The advance was along the Qvirila river valley and the Zestaponi - Sachkhere railway.

In the southern Ossetia-Georgia border sector

• In the western sector of the front, Georgian troops advanced on a narrow front of some 4 km (2.5 mi) towards Avnevi and to Khetagurovo, although they did not succeed entering the later. An artillery unit was deployed in Avnevi.
• In the central sector of the front, the Georgian troops temporarily entered Tskhinvali, advancing on a narrow front of 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi), but primarily attempted to bypass it as an objective, while attempting to secure the Liakhvi River valley (Didi Liakhvi), and its road and railway as far as Kemerti 10 km (6.2 mi) away. Supporting artillery units were deployed in Kvemo-Nikozi and Ergneti to the southwest and southeast of Tskhinvali.
• In the northern sector of the front, the Georgian troops advanced along the Minor Liakhvi river valley (a tributary of Liakhvi ) on a wide front of 10–12 km (6.2–7.5 mi), between Prisi and Helchua, seeking to link this valley directions of advance with the central sector. Although they were able to penetrate as far as Vanati at the bend of the Minor Liakhvi, Kochati-Sarabuki villages were not taken, or occupied only temporarily. The Georgian troops were unable to take Dmenisi, a major village on the north-eastern flank of the advance, and the advance guard of the northern sector became almost cut off from the other forces forcing it to seek a breakout from a possible encirclement, and halting the overall Georgian advance.

During the 9-10 August the South Ossetian and Russian forces that had recovered from the initial Georgian offensive were able to bypass the Georgian troops in the Liakhvi valley from the northwest by advancing over Height 1134, and with a pincer offensive retaking Tskhinvali from the western outskirts of the city, cutting off Georgian troops in the valley to the north from their lines of communication, and forcing a general withdrawal of Georgian troops. To complete the encirclement, Russian troops occupied Height 1475 east of Tskhinvali, thereby also securing line of fire over the Prisi - Dmenisi road that runs along the northern sector of the Georgian front.

A separate sector of advance penetrated some 10 km (6.2 mi) into the Southern Ossetian territory along the Eastern Prone stream valley west of Liakhvi River.

In the eastern Ossetia-Georgia border sector
Georgian troops advanced on a broad front to a depth of 15–20 km (9.3–12.4 mi), occupying Akhalgor (Leningori) as far as Churpia stream, a source of the Ksani River, and after negotiating the mountainous terrain, entered the Liakhvi River valley from the east, seeking to link up with the forces advancing in the central sector of the southern border advance at Kemerti, and seeking to occupy Beloti, another of the larger cities in South Ossetia. This effectively cut South Ossetia in two, with the eastern third being cut off from the rest of the territory.

Timeline

August 1 – August 7: Towards the war

Beginning late on 1 August, intense fighting began between Georgian troops and paramilitary soldiers of South Ossetia, causing the deaths of six people and injuring twenty-one others. Each side accused the other of commencing the fighting. On 3 August, the Russian government allowed South Ossetians to begin evacuation into Russia, which resulted in twenty bus-loads of refugees leaving the region on the first day.

On 4 August, five battalions of the Russian 58th Army were moved to the vicinity of Roki Tunnel that links South Ossetia with North Ossetia.

Sporadic fighting continued throughout the next several days. On 6 August, Georgia said it had lost an APC and that three Georgian soldiers had been wounded. Four people were killed that night and Georgia resumed shelling at daybreak. Residents once again began evacuating areas of South Ossetia and Georgia moved tanks, artillery, and troops to the border. The Georgian Interior Ministry reported that as many as ten Georgian soldiers had died in the clashes throughout 7 August.

"A sniper war is ongoing against residents of the villages in the South Ossetian conflict zone and as I speak now intensive fire is ongoing from artillery, from tanks, from self-propelled artillery systems – which have been brought in the conflict zone illegally – and from other types of weaponry, including mortars and grenade launchers", Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said in a live televised address made at 19:10 7 August local time. However, by the day's end, Saakashvili ordered a unilateral ceasefire. Saakashvili called for talks "in any format", reaffirmed the long-standing offer of full autonomy for South Ossetia, proposed that Russia should guarantee that solution, offered a general amnesty, and pleaded for international intercession to stop the hostilities. Georgia reiterated that it was prepared to engage in direct talks with the de facto government of South Ossetia without any preconditions.

Night of August 7 – August 8: Georgian attacks

Main article: Battle of Tskhinvali

A Georgian Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground attack warplane, similar to the ones used by Georgia during the war.

During the night and early morning, attacks by Georgian artillery, where Grad MLRS launchers where used. Reports said the South Ossetian Villages of Avnevi, Eredvi, Nuli, Tamarasheni and Prisi were shelled, and that the police station in Kurta, seat of the Sanakoyev administration, was hit by artillery fire. Georgia reported that civilians had begun fleeing these villages.

Georgia began a military offensive into South Ossetia commanded by Mamuka Kurashvili, which they said was a response the above-mentioned alleged attacks against Georgian villiages. However, South Ossetia denied attacking the villages. Kurashvili stated that the purpose of the operation was to restore constitutional order in the region. This caused an increased number of refugees to cross into Russia. Interfax quoted South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity as saying his forces were confronting Georgians in the outskirts of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia; he noted that fierce fighting was under way.

At 00:53 on 8 August (local time, 20:53 7 August UTC), Georgian forces began shelling the city, which allegedly included the route along which refugees were being moved. As the day progressed, Russian media reported that at least fifteen civilians had been killed in Tskhinvali. The Georgian Army crossed the border of South Ossetia on the early hours of 8 August after overnight bombardment of Tskhinvali by heavy artillery (howitzers), 122 mm multiple-launch rocket systems "Grad", and large-caliber mortars. Tanks and APC supported by artillery launched a thrust towards Tskhinvali. Opposed by South Ossetian forces, Georgians advanced and by the end of 8 August controlled a significant portion of the city. At 04:45 (00:45 UTC), Georgian State Minister for Reintegration Temuri Yakobashvili announced that Tskhinvali was nearly surrounded, and that Georgia controlled two-thirds of South Ossetia's territory. The result of Georgian night-day offensive was more than 1,600 civilians killed according to South Ossetian sources, about 100 - according to the Georgians.

According to the President of North Ossetia-Alania Taimuraz Mamsurov, a number of Sukhoi Su-25 'Frogfoot' ground attack aircraft of the Georgian Air Force attacked what he described to be a humanitarian aid convoy en route from Vladikavkaz. Mamsurov, who had accompanied the convoy and witnessed the attack, was unharmed. Earlier, he told the Interfax news agency that hundreds of armed volunteers from North Ossetia were heading to the Tskhinvali area. Abkhazian leader Sergei Bagapsh said that volunteers from Abkhazia were on the way to help the South Ossetians. It was later announced that an unspecified number of Abkhazian army units had advanced to the border of the arms limitation zone between Abkhazia and Georgia.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in New York City and released a statement to express "serious concerns at the escalation of violence." The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported 1,100 refugees arrived in North Ossetia by bus to escape the violence.

August 8: Russian involvement

On the morning of 8 August, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who was in Beijing attending the 2008 Summer Olympics, condemned the "aggressive actions" by Georgia and said that Russia would be compelled to retaliate. By 09:30, President Medvedev convened an emergency session of government officials to consider Russia’s options regarding the conflict.

Movements of opposing forces on 8 August. Blue arrows show Georgian advances, red show Russian

Half an hour later, Georgian sources reported that three Russian Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft flew into the Georgian airspace and dropped two bombs close to a police station near the town of Kareli, which borders South Ossetia. The source also reported that the nearby city of Gori suffered a brief Russian air strike, with no casualties. Russian authorities rejected these reports, but a Daily Telegraph correspondent later reported that he saw unidentified jets near Gori, and the Georgian military described them as "Russian warplanes".

By 11:40, Saakashvili mobilized the Georgian reserve troops amid what he referred to as "a large-scale military aggression" by Russia and called for Russia to stop "bombardment of the Georgian towns". Contradicting a Georgian report, the Russian Ministry of Defence denied that a Russian fighter plane had been shot down above Georgian territory, calling it "informational provocation". A spokesman for the Russian forces in South Ossetia said that Georgian shells directly hit barracks in Tskhinvali, killing 12 Russian soldiers and wounding 30.

Georgia reported that they offered a three-hour ceasefire starting 15:00 local time (11:00 UTC), to let civilians leave the besieged capital of Tskhinvali. However, at 10:29 UTC, Marat Kulakhmetov, commander of the Russian forces in the region, said that "these are further lies from the Georgian side. No corridor for civilians has been opened."

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that the Georgians had killed at least 10 Russian soldiers and wounded 30 in the first shelling of their base at the city; later that number was revised to 13 KIA and 70 wounded. A column of Russian tanks from the 58th Army began moving to Tskhinvali to help. Saakashvili said that the Russian column consisted of 150 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and other equipment. A press video from 8 August showed Russian T-72 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and 152 mm 2S3 self-propelled howitzers moving south into the conflict zone.

Russia used Su-27 Flanker fighters to gain air superiority over Tskhinvali.

Russian media reported that the Georgian army was falling back from Tskhinvali and Russian Su-24 bombers and Su-27 fighters were in complete control of the airspace above Tskhinvali. Kulakhmetov said that as a result of Georgian heavy bombardment, Tskhinvali is almost totally destroyed. Gas pipes, a hospital, and other objects of infrastructure were hit. According to France Press, at 12:00 UTC the National Security Council of Georgia (through a statement of Council Secretary Alexander Lomaia) declared that if messages about Russian tanks in South Ossetia are confirmed, then Georgia would declare war on Russia. Russian tanks entered Tskhinvali shortly after, and by nightfall Russian and South Ossetian forces controlled a large part of the city.

The Georgian Interior Ministry said that a Russian fighter dropped two bombs on a military base in Vaziani, near Tbilisi. Russian fighters also bombed a military airfield in Marneuli, near Tbilisi. At least four people were killed and another five wounded in the air strike in Marneuli, while three Georgian soldiers were killed at Vaziani. According to the source in the Russian Ministry of Defense, "the warplanes attacked only military targets: military base in Gory' Vaziani and Marneuli airfields, where [Georgian] Su-25 and L-39 airplanes are based, and the radar station 40 kilometers (25 mi) from Tbilisi". When asked why Russian warplanes entered Georgian airspace well before Russian government approved the involvement in Southern Ossetia conflict, the officer responded, "According to the orders from the higher command."

Saakashvili initially said that Georgia was pulling its 2,000-strong troops from Iraq. The head of Georgia's Security Council, Kakha Lomaia, later clarified that only 1,000 troops were being redeployed, telling Reuters, "We have already communicated to our American friends that we are going to withdraw half our contingent of soldiers in Iraq within days because we are under Russian aggression." According to Georgia, the U.S. will provide the aircraft for transportation - a move that could risk U.S. involvement into the conflict; U.S. officials have only said that all transportation options were being explored.

Vladimir Putin after the opening ceremonies in Beijing for the Olympics said to U.S. President George W. Bush that a real war had begun in Ossetia, to which Bush replied that no one wanted war, and Putin added that it is difficult to maintain peace in the Caucasus.

August 9: Escalation

File:Tupolev Tu-22m3.jpg

A Russian Tu-22M Backfire bomber was downed by the Georgians during the war.

U.S. president George W. Bush commented on the situation on 9 August from the Beijing Olympic Games: "The United States takes this matter very seriously [...] Georgia is a sovereign nation and its territorial integrity must be respected."

Russian media reported heavy gunfire between Russian and Georgian troops resumed during the night. It was also reported that an airfield near Tbilisi was bombed in the early hours of the day.

At approximately 06:00 UTC, an unnamed source from the Russian military command told Russian media that units of the 58th Army had completely driven out Georgian forces from Tskhinvali. Later, this information was officially confirmed by Russian Ministry of Defence. However Georgian sources claimed being in control of the South Ossetian capital throughout the day. At 06:27 UTC, Reuters reported that two Russian fighters had bombed Georgian artillery near Gori. Georgia said 60 civilians were killed when at least one bomb hit an apartment in Gori.

At 07:41 UTC Lenta.Ru reported that units of the 76th Airborne Division of Russian Airborne Troops (VDV), from Pskov, had moved to Tskhinvali. According to the commander of Russian Ground Forces, Igor Konashenkov, they were transferred to strengthen those forces. He also stated that unspecified units of the Ivanovo-based 98th Airborne Division of Russian Airborne Troops and Spetsnaz from the Moscow-based 45th Detached Reconnaissance Regiment would be moved to the conflict area. This was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defence's press service.

At 07:57 UTC the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that its 58th Army had fully freed Tskhinvali of Georgian armed forces.

At 08:30 UTC, the Russian General Staff confirmed the loss of two jets: a Su-25 and a Tupolev Tu-22M; the latter was later claimed to be performing aerial reconnaissance by Russia. Georgia claimed they had actually downed 10 jets and captured 3 pilots. South Ossetia claimed they had shot down two Georgian jets. A Georgian official stated that Georgia had shot down a Russian jet fighter and captured its pilot.

At 10:30 UTC, Russian paratroopers land in South Ossetia. President Saakashvili calls for ceasefire in his speech.

At 10:41 aerial attacks were carried out in the east part of Kodori Valley, the only part of Abkhazia which is under effective Georgian control. Initially, Georgia blamed the attacks on the Russian Air Force. However, it was later ascertained that the attacks were carried out by Abkhazia, as was indeed claimed by Abkhazian President Sergey Bagapsh.

At 11:25 UTC, President Saakashvili asks his country's parliament to announce a state of martial law. The parliament has approved the request, declaring martial in Georgia for the duration of 15 days; David Bakradze, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, commenting that "according to the current situation, Georgia is de-facto at an unannounced war with Russia."

At around lunch time local time on 9 August, Saakashvili said he proposed a ceasefire and the separation of the warring parties. Georgia's Security Council secretary, Alexander Lomaia, said Saakashvili's proposal meant that the Georgian troops would withdraw from Tskhinvali, the provincial capital of South Ossetia, and stop responding to Russian shelling. Russia's ambassador to NATO Dmitri Rogozin said that Russia would start negotiations only if Georgian forces withdrew to the positions they held before the conflict began; the Russian Foreign Ministry added a requirement that Georgia promise never to attempt to retake the territory. At 16:15 the Russian Defense Ministry said it had not received any ceasefire proposal from Georgia. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the only solution was for Georgian troops to leave the conflict zone.

Lomaia also reported that Russia had bombed the Black Sea port of Poti and had started to bomb civil and economic infrastructure. There were also reports by the Associated Press of Russian ships patrolling the waters off Poti, though Russia denies they are implementing a blockade. Lenta.ru reported that all Russian TV channels had been banned from broadcasting in Georgia, with Georgia alleging that Russia was conducting an ongoing information war. Meanwhile, Russia cut off all air connections with Georgia. On the same day, the United Nations once again failed to reach consensus on how to word any request for a cessation of hostilities. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that the Russian Federation begins operation "to force the Georgian side to peace".

According to a source in the Georgian government, the Roki Tunnel used by Russians to bring in supplies and reinforcements has been demolished. Russian Ministry of Defense denied the report.

The US embassy in Georgia organized an evacuation convoy to leave for Yerevan on August 10 and a second one scheduled for August 11 and invites American citizens in the region to join them, while it also issued a travel warning.

Assistant Commander of Collective Peacekeeping Forces in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone Vladimir Ivanov claimed that Georgian troops in Tskhinvali are surrendering to the South Ossetian side but that fighting is going on in the village of Nikozi.

Lithuania's (member of EU and NATO) Head of Foreign Affairs, Petras Vaitiekūnas, together with the Georgian Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili visited the Gori region. Mr. Vaitekūnas said the destruction and number of casualties of civilians, shocked him. He also promised aid to the region.

According to Azerbaijani media, several ethnic Georgians of Azerbaijani citizenship in Qakh and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan had crossed the Azerbaijani-Georgian border to join Georgian forces.

August 10: Georgia begins withdrawing from Tskhinvali

A Czech RM-70 multiple rocket launcher. Similar RM-70s were used by Georgia during the war in the Battle of Tskhinvali.

Georgian refugees from South Ossetia beg the Georgian Parliament for help.

Reuters reported that South Ossetian officials claimed that fighting on Tskhinvali's southern fringes had ended at about mid-night; however, these reports could not be substantiated. Reuters further reported that the Russian commander of the 58th Army in South Ossetia, Lieutenant General Anatoly Khrulyov, was wounded by Georgian forces outside of Tskhinvali early Sunday morning.

The Georgian Interior Ministry claimed that Russia had moved 6,000 soldiers into South Ossetia by land and another 4,000 into Abkhazia by sea, all preparing to attack at dawn. Vladimir Putin, after attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, flew to North Ossetia to oversee what he called a humanitarian operation and announce that now it was unlikely that South Ossetia could ever reintegrate within Georgia. His spokesperson gave assurances that the visit had no military component, and in the morning Putin left for Gorki outside Moscow to meet Russian president Medvedev.

Putin said the government was ready to earmark up to RUB10.1 billion (approximately US$425 million) for aid to the region.

It has been reported around 07:23 UTC that, according to a source in Russian Navy commandment, several Russian ships have approached the Georgian border by sea, namely: the Flagship of Black Sea Fleet rocket cruiser Moskva, escort vessel Smetlivy, three large landing crafts and several support vessels. The source claimed that Russian ships do not block Georgian coast, because "Russia is not at war with Georgia". The announced goal of the operation is to provide help for refugees; however, another source in Russian Navy commandment noted that the convoy has orders to prevent armaments or military equipment delivery to Georgia by sea. Georgian National Security Council Secretary Alexandre Lomaia stated that Russian ships entered the Abkhazian port of Ochamchira. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on this. Meanwhile, Ukraine stated that it reserved the right to bar Russian warships dispatched to the Georgian coast from returning to their base in the Ukrainian city of Sevastopol.

There were conflicting reports as to the continuation of Georgian military actions. Georgia claimed that its forces were retreating from South Ossetia and the Foreign Ministry of Georgia announced that the government had declared a unilateral ceasefire. However, Russian troops refused to recognize a truce, claiming Georgian forces were not retreating, but merely regrouping. Georgia’s Internal Affairs Ministry spokesman, Shota Utiashvili, claimed that "Georgian troops have fully left South Ossetia", while according to Georgian Reintegration Minister Temur Yakobashvili, Georgian troops had pulled out of Tskhinvali and, according to her, Georgian "forces have relocated and assumed new positions." Russian peacekeeping spokesman Vladimir Ivanov, however, stated that "Georgia did not remove its forces from South Ossetia. Our observation posts have spotted Georgian law-enforcement units, as well as artillery and armoured vehicles."

Russia later acknowledged the withdrawal was in progress, with a spokesman noting, "Units of the Georgian armed forces have started withdrawing from Tskhinvali. The withdrawal has been spotted by the peacekeeping forces' intelligence."

Sergei Bagapsh, president of Abkhazia, said he had sent 1,000 troops to the Kodori gorge and announced the mobilization of reservists to reinforce its positions. He warned Abkhazia was ready to "enforce order" and would go further if there was resistance from Georgia.

On August 10, at around 3:20 p.m. UTC, Georgia said that they ordered a ceasefire, and offered to start talks with Russia over an end to hostilities in South Ossetia. Russia confirmed receiving the offer but said that "the Georgian side has not stopped military actions in South Ossetia, Georgian troops continued shelling."

However, Russian and Georgian foreign ministers spoke over the phone. The conversation ended with Georgian minister promising to find out more about whether Georgian forces were withdrawn from South Ossetia.

Later in the day, Georgia reported that Tbilisi International Airport was the target of a Russian air strike, just a few hours before the scheduled arrival of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. The Russian Ministry of Defence dismissed the alleged bombing as "another disinformation" by Georgia.

The Russian Defense Ministry has announced that the Russian Navy has sunk a Georgian missile boat after two alleged attacks of such boats earlier that day. This was later confirmed by Russian Navy Commander Assistant Igor Dygalo. He said that there were four Georgian vessels and the remaining three of them fled in the direction of Georgian port of Poti.

At 19:00 UTC it was reported that Georgia agreed to the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Zugdidi of Georgia, on the border with Abkhazia on Georgian side. This was reported with link to words of Zaza Morohiya, the Governor of Zugdidi district.

Russian sources reported that citizens of Russia currently visiting Georgia for personal, family or leisure reasons are being prevented from leaving Georgian cities and settlements by Georgian police. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern and is planning to discuss this situation with international organizations.

According to Russian media, at nighttime Russian Airborne troops landed at Abkhazia "to exclude repeating of situation of the Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia and to prevent Georgian military agression against Abkhazia". They have arrived to Sukhumi airport by military transport aircrafts.

Later, according to South Ossetia government representative Irina Gagloeva, two groups of Georgian saboteurs were captured near Tskhinvali, 8 troops in Znaur district, and another group of 11 near Zari road. Earlier, Vzglyad reported that another group of Georgian saboteurs was captured near Zari road, including one African-American, claimed to be a US citizen and NATO adviser; he was transported to Vladikavkaz for investigation.

During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Zalmay Khalilzad alleged that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a diplomatic phone conversation, told U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili "must go". To which Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin objected that the phone call was confidential. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin denied that, saying that he never used the alleged expression "regime change" and rather said that Saakashvili "cannot be considered as a partner" because "no decent person would talk to him". He said that if an agreement of not using military force is signed, the peace will be restored "whatever the fate of Saakashvili will be". He said Condoleezza Rice "misinterpreted" their phone conversation.

He also drew rebuke by stating that a briefing by a top U.N. official that contained a statement by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, "shows that the Secretariat of the United Nations and its leadership was not able to adopt that objective position that is required by the substance of this conflict".

August 11 developments

In the early hours of August 11, it was reported by Russian sources that Tskhinvali is again under fire from Georgian artillery. South Ossetia government representative Irina Gagloeva stated the morning of August 11 that Georgia opened the irrigation canal, supposedly in an effort to flood the basements of Tskhinvali buildings with an intention to prevent civilians from hiding from bombings.

According to Georgian officials (quoted in the New York Times) large numbers of Russian Ground Forces had entered undisputed Georgian territory and were headed to Gori. Western Officials again reiterated their fears that Russia intends to overthrow the Georgian government. Russia denied any intention of occupying Georgia, "We have enough territory to think of, we don't need Georgia." said Aleksei Pavlov, a Kremlin spokesman. The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia claims that Russia began "intensive combat" in Gori following prior air strikes. Georgian troops reportedly returned fire. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not confirm or deny the reports.

During the early morning Moscow time, Russia declared itself ready to make peace with Georgia. U.N. officials confirmed that Georgia was prepared to negotiate with Russia by withdrawing troops from the breakaway province of South Ossetia and creating a safe travel zone. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Russia is "ready to put an end to the war," but also accused the U.N. secretary-general's office of taking Georgia's side. The agreement was confirmed by U.N. Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs, B. Lynne Pascoe during a briefing to the Security Council.

Georgia declared that it had received a Russian ultimatum that it must disarm troops near the breakaway province of Abkhazia or face Russian forces moving into Georgian-controlled territory, the demand was conveyed through U.N. military observers in the area. Russian assistant commander Alexander Novitskiy reported on the morning of 11 August that 9,000 Russian troops and 350 armored vehicles had entered Abkhazia during the evening of August 10.

Later, it was reported that Russian Airborne Forces Commander lieutenant general Valeriy Evtukhovich arrived in Abkhazia.

Russian General Staff Second-in-Commander Alexander Nagovitsyn confirms on the briefing at noon that Russian Army lost another two Su-25 jets. Also he confirmed 18 soldiers dead, 14 missing (Whereabouts Unknown).

FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov reported that nine Georgian special services agents were arrested, and they "prepared for terrorist attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation". He said that all nine agents have confessed to the allegations.

According to Alexander Nagovitsyn, 800 Georgian troops and 11 tons of cargo were moved from Iraq to Georgia by eight US Aviation flights. Early Georgian officials said that all moved Georgian troops will be sent to South Ossetia war conflict zone. Nagovitsyn also stated that Russia will take "adequate measures" in response to that, which would mean the increase of Russian troops in conflict zone. Prime minister Vladimir Putin criticized the USA for help in redeploying Georgian troops from Iraq.

North Ossetian government officials say that several foreign mercenaries have arrived to Vladikavkaz hospital. Early at General Staff briefing Alexander Nagovitsyn confirmed that there were black-skinned soldiers with non-Georgian passports among them; he did not specify their citizenship.

According to RIA Novosti, the earlier reports about Russians not being allowed to leave Georgia have been disclaimed by Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs.. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that it received such reports from over 360 stranded Russian citizens.

The Georgian Minister of Defense announced that Georgian military base in Senaki, outside Abkhazia, was captured by Russian armored vehicles, and the Associated Press indicated that a government official in Moscow confirmed the move. The Georgian Interior Minister stated that police stations in Zugdidi had also been seized.

According to Georgian officials, the city of Gori, 40 miles (64 km) from the Georgain capital, has fallen to Russian forces. Georgian troops are falling back to defend the capital city of Tbilisi. Russian's defense ministry denied the information, claiming there were no russian troops on Gori. . Also, this was confirmed by Reuters reporters James Kilner and Margarita Antidze, who said that there is no any "trace of troops or military vehicles, it is absolutely deserted".

The Assistant Commander of Russian peacekeepers Alexander Novitsky claims that during a reconnaissance mission the Russian Air Force shot down two Georgian helicopters at the air base of Senaki. The helicopters were identified as Mi-8 and Mi-24 belonging to the Georgian Air Force.

Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed sending of two companies of Chechnya based special battalions Vostok and Zapad of GRU to South Ossetia.

Humanitarian impact

South Ossetia

Ethnic map of the Caucasus from 1995: Ossetians live in North and South Ossetia, as well as in central Georgia.

On 8 August, the International Red Cross urged the combatant sides to make a humanitarian corridor to evacuate the wounded and civilians from Tskhinvali. Tskhinvali's main city hospital is reported to be non-functional, and ambulances cannot reach the wounded, while Georgia continued to bomb the hospital. Twenty-two wounded remained in the building, which has only two storeys left. International Red Cross spokeswoman Anna Nelson said it had received reports that hospitals in Tskhinvali were "overflowing" with casualties. According to local officials, more than 150 people remain trapped under the rubble of the city hospital. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has alleged that Georgia is responsible for a "complete genocide."

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said that thousands of refugees are leaving South Ossetia, mostly for North Ossetia. About 140 buses carrying thousands of refugees have already arrived the North Ossetia on Friday evening, according to Reuters. More refugees are said to be expected to arrive on Saturday.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has sent a mobile hospital to North Ossetia. The Russian President has ordered the government to take urgent measures to provide humanitarian aid to those leaving the conflict zone

Eduard Kokoity alleged that the death toll has risen to 1,400. According to Reuters this figure could not be confirmed. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on August 9 upon his return from Beijing to Vladikavkaz claimed that there had been, verbatim, "tens of people killed, hundreds wounded" and 34,000 refugees had crossed the Russian border. According to the United Nations refugee agency, between 10,000 and 20,000 people have been displaced within Georgia. Tskhinvali is reported to be lying in ruins, and more than ten border villages have reportedly also been burnt to the ground as of August 9.

The fighting has interrupted electricity and telephone service in Tskhinvali, and some inhabitants are reportedly sheltering in basements with no access to water or medicines. Several journalists on 9 August were reported hiding in the basements, as they appealed to world society for a peace corridor to let them out of Tskhinvali.

Russian Interfax News Agency says Russia sent 120 tons of food to South Ossetia and 17 tons of medicine to prevent humanitarian catastrophe. Russia said it plans to send a humanitarian aid convoy with 200 tons of food, 16 tons of medical supplies, six electricity genetators and water filters, from Russia's North Ossetian city of Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, the Emergency Situation Minister said on 10 August.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin promised to spend 10 bln rubles (approx. $420 million USD) to reconstruct the infrastructure and facilities in South Ossetia. The sum may increase after a thorough estimation of losses is provided.

Vesti radio reported that Georgian forces burned down a church in Tanara in South Ossetia where people were hiding, to the ground, with all the people inside. The Deputy Director of an information agency as an eye witness reported that fragments of cluster bombs were found in Tskinvali. He also reported that a Georgian task force entered the city and burned a family alive in their house, and that a column of fleeing refugees was attacked by Georgians. A South Ossetian reservist reported there were episodes when civilians were hiding in basements and Georgian soldiers would come in and gun them down.

At a meeting with South Ossetia refugees at a makeshift hospital camp in Alagir on 9 August, eyewitnesses told the Russian Prime Minister that Georgian troops had set fire to a house with several young women inside. "They were rounded up like cattle, shut into the house, and set on fire. In another place, we saw a tank run over an old woman who was running away with two children. We saw how they slashed up an 18-month child," a refugee said. Russian sources cited the representative of South Ossetia administration Irina Gagloeva asserting that Georgia opened an irrigation canal to flood the basements of Tskhinvali in order to prevent people from hiding in the basements of the buildings during bombings.

Georgia

1993 map showing the defense industries of Georgia at the time: there is an aircraft assembly plant in Tblisi and component plants in other cities.

Georgia claimed Russia had bombed airfields and civil and economic infrastructure, including the Black Sea port of Poti. Between eight and eleven Russian jets reportedly hit container tanks and a shipbuilding plant at the port. The BBC reported that "In one air strike the pilot missed the intended military base, instead hitting two apartment blocks" in Gori, and the reporters "saw injured civilians being pulled from the buildings." Regarding this incident SkyNews reported that "a military installation had been hit in Gori and surrounding residential apartments had been badly damaged." Journalists referred to the situation in Gori as "chaotic". Georgia has alleged that Russia is committing ethnic cleansing against ethnic Georgians.

Reuters reported an attack on the civilian Tbilisi International Airport, though Russia claims this is misinformation. Georgian State Minister for Reintegration, Temur Yakobshvili also denied this, stating, "There was no attack on the airport in Tbilisi. It was a factory that produces combat airplanes."

Casualties among journalists

Agence France-Press reported that two journalists for The Messenger, Winston Featherly and Temouri Kigouradze, were wounded and hospitalized in Tskhinvali. Agence France-Press reported that two reporters working for the Turkish Kanalturk received bullet wounds.

According to Lenta.ru, Alexander Klimchuk, chief of the Caucasus Press Images photo agency, and Grigol Chikhladze, another employee of the agency, were killed while entering South Ossetia with Georgian army forces. Lenta.ru also reported that Peter Gassiev, a Russian NTV channel producer, was injured in South Ossetia.

Russian sources claimed that a crew from Russian news channel Vesti came under fire. Correspondent Alexander Sladkov was shot in the leg, cameraman Leonid Losev received two bullets in his arm, and video engineer Igor Uklein was contused. All of them are evacuated to Vladikavkaz.

Regnum.ru reported that Alexander Kots, a reporter for the Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid, was wounded by rifle fire while reporting in South Ossetia and evacuated. He said Georgian servicemen had been finishing-off injured Russian peacekeepers. "I personally saw two injured servicemen being finished off," Kots told Russia's ORT TV channel upon his return to Moscow.

Financial market reaction

The effect of the war on the Russian financial markets was first noticed on the stock market benchmark index RTS which fell 6% by 8 August 2008 at 12:45 GMT in its lowest level (1,732.26) since May 2007, including blue chips such as Lukoil Holdings shares, and Russian analysts expect the fall to continue for some time but then to rise upwards again, recovering losses. The Russian ruble also fell by 1% relative to a basket of currencies.

The Georgian financial markets also suffered negative consequences as Fitch Ratings lowered Georgia's debt ratings from BB- to B+, commenting that there are increased risks to Georgian sovereign creditworthiness, while Standard and Poor's also lowered Georgian credit ratings.

Map of Baku-Supsa and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipelines through Georgia

While Georgia has no significant oil or gas reserves on its own, it is an important transit route that supplies the West, and journalists expressed fear that the war may damage the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, 30% of which is owned by BP. The BTC pipeline was shut down before the conflict and the war created further problems for the operating company. Georgia claims Russia is targeting the pipeline. On 8 August 2008, Russian air forces devastated the port of Poti, which is a key port for the transportation of energy sources, close to the Baku-Supsa pipeline and the Supsa oil terminal. The price of oil was not negatively affected by these events, on August 8 light sweet crude for September delivery settled down $4.82 to $115.20 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Information warfare

Propaganda war

Russia and Georgia are fighting a propaganda war to form favorable public opinion at home and abroad. Both sides provide contradictory reports about the conflict and it is hard to clarify disputed facts. Russia portrayed itself as a honest intermediary, trying to protect their citizens while Georgia behaves as a little country defending itself from aggression of the "Russian Bear".

Cyberattacks and censorship

South Ossetian officials stated that two Ossetian news media sites were attacked. Dmitry Medoyev, the South Ossetian secessionist envoy in Moscow, claimed that Georgia was trying to cover up reports of deaths.

The National Bank of Georgia website was defaced and replaced with a gallery of 20th century dictators, with Saakashvili added. Georgian news portals were under Internet denial-of-service attacks and reportedly the site of the Georgian Ministry of Defence was cracked as well. The attacks are similar in nature to the 2007 cyberattacks on Estonia and were carried out with the same techniques. Estonian authorities have pledged to provide Georgia assistance in cyber-warfare. There have also been reports that Estonia may send a team of online security experts to Georgia in support of that promise.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website was also defaced and replaced with a collage of Saakashvili and Adolf Hitler photos.

Websites of the aforementioned National Bank and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been offline, but are currently online. According to the New York Times, Georgian websites crashed frequently on 8 August.

The Office of the President of Poland has provided the website for dissemination of information and helped to get access to the Internet for Georgia's government after breakdowns of local servers caused by cyberattacks.

Georgia had stopped broadcasting Russian television channels across the country. Web sites hosted on domains with addresses ending in .ru “were briefly blocked” from Georgia. Some pro-Russian sites in other zones were also reported to be blocked.

RIA Novosti news agency's website was disabled for several hours on 10 August by a series of hacker attacks. "The DNS-servers and the site itself have been coming under severe attack," said Maxim Kuznetsov, head of the RIA Novosti IT department.

Demands to end conflict

On August 10, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said the silence of Western nations during Georgia's initial incursion into South Ossetia "raises very serious questions about sincerity and their attitude towards our country," and also accused Western media of a reporting bias and lack of objectivity. He ruled out peace talks with Georgia until it pulled back its forces beyond the borders of South Ossetia and signed a legally binding pact renouncing the use of force against South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another breakaway territory of Georgia. Moscow has deployed warships off the Georgian coast to prevent the smuggling in of arms and other military supplies.

Saakashvili ordered a unilateral ceasefire on August 7, 2008 and called for talks "in any format"; reaffirmed the long-standing offer of full autonomy for South Ossetia; proposed that Russia should guarantee that solution; offered a general amnesty; and pleaded for international intercession to stop the hostilities.

Ceasefire

On August 11, Russian President Medvedev hinted at an end to the conflict saying, "A significant part of the operation to force the Georgian authorities to make peace in South Ossetia has been concluded," and "Tskhinvali is under the control of a reinforced Russian peacekeeping contingent." Russian Prime Minister Putin added Moscow would take its mission in the region to "a logical conclusion." Later the same day, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signed an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document was rejected by Moscow. According to a Reuter's witness, Georgian troops did not cease fire, as six helicopters bombed Tskhinvali on August 11.

Combatant statements

Georgia

Demonstration against the Russian intervention outside the Russian embassy in Tbilisi on August 8, 2008.

Map of North and South Ossetia.

• "This is about annihilation of a democracy on their borders," Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili told the British Broadcasting Corp. "We on our own cannot fight with Russia. We want immediate cease-fire, immediate cessation of hostilities, separation of Russia and Georgia and international mediation."
• Georgia's Security Council secretary, Alexander Lomaia, said Saakashvili's proposal means that the Georgian troops will withdraw from Tskhinvali, the provincial capital of South Ossetia, and stop responding to Russian shelling.
• Russia has "started a full-scale military invasion" of Georgia, the country's UN Ambassador Irakli Alasania said in New York.
• "If this is not war, then I wonder what is," Georgia's ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Victor Dolidze, told a crisis meeting of the OSCE's permanent council in Vienna.
• Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili stated, "What Russia is doing in Georgia is open, unhidden aggression and a challenge to the whole world. If the whole world does not stop Russia today, then Russian tanks will be able to reach any other European capital." He argued Russia was attacking Georgia because "[Georgia] want[s] to be free and we want to be a multi-ethnic democracy."
• Saakashvili accused Russia of a "well-planned invasion" and mobilised Georgia’s military reserves.
• In an interview with CNN, Saakashvili said that Georgia and Russia were practically at war. "We have Russian tanks moving in," he said. "We have continuous Russian bombardment since yesterday ... specifically targeting the civilian population. Russia is fighting a war with us in our own territory." He told the BBC: "Our troops are attacked by thousands of troops coming in from Russia."

Russia

• Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said, "The actions of the Georgian powers in South Ossetia are, of course, a crime — first of all against their own people," and alleged Georgia was committing "complete genocide". and opined that the territorial integrity of Georgia has suffered a fatal blow. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he was ordering the military prosecutor to document crimes against civilians (by Georgia) in South Ossetia. He said "The actions of the Georgian side led to deaths - among them are Russian peacekeepers. The situation reached the point that Georgian peacekeepers have been shooting at Russian peacekeepers. Now women, children and old people are dying in South Ossetia - most of them are citizens of the Russian Federation. According to the constitution, I, as the President of the Russian Federation, must protect lives and the dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are. Those responsible for the deaths of our citizens will be punished. He said that it aims to force Georgia to accept peace and restore the status quo, and that it is acting within its peacekeeping mission in South Ossetia, and in line with the mandate issued by the international community.
• At a meeting of the U.N. Security Council Saturday, the third in three days on the issue, Russia refused to agree to a cease-fire or a diplomatic agreement. The move ensured that the fighting with Georgia would keep spilling into other regions such as Abkhazia's Kodori Ridge, where 15 U.N. military observers were told to evacuate.
• After the GMT 4:00 8 August UN Security Council meeting, Boris Malakhov, spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that he hoped it was still possible to prevent "mass bloodshed", adding, "It now became clear why the Georgian side was refraining under various pretexts from signing a legally binding document on non-use of force"
• Russian envoy Yuri Popov said Georgia's military operation showed it could not be trusted and NATO should reconsider its plans to grant membership to Georgia. Popov said, "Georgia's step is absolutely incomprehensible and shows that the Georgian leadership has zero credit of trust." He called Georgia's behavior treacherous.
• In a letter to all NATO members, Ambassador of Russia to NATO Dmitry Rogozin stated that Georgia had "got a permit to start a military operation" after the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest and warned against continued support of Georgia and its president.
• In North Ossetia's Vladikavkaz there were several demonstrations rallied by local Ossetians, with protesters shouting "Russia, save us!" and demanding the withdrawal of Georgian forces from South Ossetia.
• Chairman of Russia's State Duma Security Committee, Vladimir Vasiliyev, stated, "Georgia could have used the years of Saakashvili's presidency in different ways - to build up the economy, to develop the infrastructure, to solve social issues both in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the whole state. Instead, the Georgian leadership with president Saakashvili undertook consistent steps to increase its military budget from US$30 million to $1 billion - Georgia was preparing for a military action."
• On 10 August 2008 Russian human rights commissioner (ombudsman) Vladimir Lukin called for creating International Tribunal on South Ossetia. "That man who order night attack on Tskhinvali is the main responsible person," he said.
• Vice Chairman of Russian parliament Vladimir Zhirinovsky in his speech on Echo Moskvy radio suggested bombing Tbilisi and bringing Saakashvili to trial, overthrowing his "fascist regime", as well as breaking all diplomatic and economic links with Georgia.
• [other reactions from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and deputy Foreign Minister incorporated into initial paragraphs]
• Russia also laid much of the responsibility for ending the fighting on the United States, which has trained Georgian troops. Moscow ignored the Bush administration’s statement about “significant long-term impact on the U.S.-Russia relations”. Washington has not condemned Georgia’s attack on South Ossetia . Israel, France, the Ukraine, and other countries have also trained Georgian forces in the past.
• Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin accused foreign media of pro-Georgian bias in their coverage of the ongoing conflict between Georgia and Russia over breakaway South Ossetia. "We want television screens in the West to be showing not only Russian tanks, and texts saying Russia is at war in South Ossetia and with Georgia, but also to be showing the suffering of the Ossetian people, the murdered elderly people and children, the destroyed towns of South Ossetia, and [regional capital] Tskhinvali. This would be an objective way of presenting the material," Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said. Current Western media coverage of the events in the separatist republic is "a politically motivated version, to put it mildly," he said.

South Ossetia

• On 8 August, South Ossetia called on "the governments and peoples of the world" to recognize its independence: "For South Ossetia, there is only one path of life – the acceptance of its independence by the international community. We call on all self-respecting people of the planet to not be indifferent to the fate of the Ossetian nation."

International reactions

Main article: International reaction to the 2008 South Ossetia War

Opposing forces

T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles in a German museum. Both types are being used by Russia during the 2008 South Ossetia War. Georgia also has 82 T-72s.

See also: Military of Georgia and Military of Russia

Georgian, Russian and South Ossetian forces are equipped with predominantly Soviet-made weapons, in particular, Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft, T-55 and T-72 tanks, and AK-74 rifles; however, Georgia has recently also been acquiring some western-made weaponry, including the UH-1 Iroquois helicopters and M16 rifles from the United States, 152mm SpGH DANA self-propelled guns and RM-70 Multiple rocket launchers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Turkish Otokar Cobra armoured vehicles, and German Heckler & Koch G36 and Israeli IMI Tavor TAR-21 rifles.

Sides at the beginning of the conflict:

	Georgia	South Ossetia	Russia
Army	30,000	3,000	100,000 in the region
Tanks	200	87	620 in the region
Aircraft	82	0	320 in the region

Russian order of battle

Members of the Russian Army during a mission in Bosnia in 1996 after the Bosnian War.

• North Caucasus Military District
  • 58th Army
    • 131st Separate Motor-Rifle Brigade
  • 4th Air Army
• Leningrad Military District
  • 76th Airborne Division (Pskov)
• Moscow Military District
  • 98th Airborne Division (Ivanovo)
• GRU
  • Spetsnaz of 45th Detached Reconnaissance Regiment of VDV (Moscow)
  • One company of Special Battalion Vostok
  • One company of Special Battalion Zapad
• Black Sea Fleet
  • RFS Moskva
  • Kashin class destroyer Smetlivy (Russian: Сметливый)
  • Three large landing ship (BDK, Russian: БДК)

• Russian news services, notably RTR Planeta, have reported wide-scoped assembly of Ossetian Narodnoe Opolcheniye being joined by volunteers from the Vladikavkaz region and other parts of Russia. The groups being formed at "various locations" are reported to range from "tens" to "hundreds". The members of these groups as shown on video reports are identified by white armbands, but appear to be otherwise clothed and equipped predominantly in Russian Army issue camouflage clothing and firearms. One such group in the Northern Ossetia has been formed on the Staff of North Ossetia okrug Cossack Voisko (Russian: штаб североосетинского округа казачьего войска).

Georgian order of battle

Members of the Georgian Army training to expel the anti-Russian Chechen rebels from Georgian territory in 2002 during the Second Chechen War.

In the combat for Tskhinvali Georgia reportedly had committed several infantry battalions supported by some T-72 tanks and artillery. Much greater numbers are deployed elsewhere around the Georgian-South Ossetian borders. Georgian government had called back at least 1,000 troops from Iraq and reservists are gathering. Georgia has 82 T-72 tanks.

Russian sources claim that among the Georgian soldiers killed during the the assault on Tskhinvali, Russian forces found the corpses of black soldiers. They allege that these individuals were mercenaries or foreign instructors. They previously reported that American military instructors are stationed at a large Georgian military installation in Gori. The American source Washington Post noted the U.S. has about 130 military personnel in Georgia who train Georgian troops for deployment to Iraq and for defense of Georgia. Prior to the war, Israel, which is considering oil projects in the region, had sold approximately $400 million in training and weaponry to Georgian forces. Russia had threatened to cut its ties with Israel, while Israel claimed that the training was "defensive".

External links

• Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
• State Committee of Information and Press of the Republic of South Ossetia Template:En icon
• Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation Template:Ru icon
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Template:Ru icon
• Georgian Ministry of Defence - site may be down due to cyber attack

Map resources

• Topographic maps of the region from Poyehali

Videos

• BBC World News Youtube Channel
• Russia Today Youtube Channel
• A journey to South Ossetia 2007 documentary about life in South Ossetia
• Russian convoy moving towards Tskhinvali, 06:20
• Destruction in Tskhinvali, 01:36
• Casualties in Tskhinvali, 05:17
• Damaged hospital building in Tskhinvali, 02:17