International reaction to the Russo-Georgian War

The international reaction to the 2008 South Ossetia war covered many nations, NGOs, and non-state actors. The conflict began in August 2008 over South Ossetia but eventually the violence spread elsewhere in Georgia as well. As of 10 August 2008 the war is having a considerable humanitarian impact and has affected the financial markets of Russia and Georgia.

In general, Georgia accused Russia of aggression and invasion through land, air, and sea, whereas Russia accused Georgia of genocide and crimes against humanity targeting Ossetians and Russian peacekeepers. Most other countries called for peace, with some insisting on respect of Georgia's territorial integrity, and others supporting Russia's intervention.

International organizations

Organization	Response
Caritas Internationalis	Conflict between Georgia and Russia over breakaway South Ossetia has killed thousands of people and tens of thousands have been driven from their homes. Caritas is responding in the region with food, household items, and counselling to those people caught in the fighting. Caritas Internationalis is supporting calls for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations to bring a peaceful solution to the conflict. Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight said, "Russia and Georgia must step back from all-out war. Already the conflict has caused too much suffering to thousands of innocent civilians. It will take a huge regional effort to rebuild shattered communities." Caritas appeals to both sides to do everything in their power to respect the lives of civilians. Caritas supports the need for humanitarian corridors into South Ossetia as a short term solution, but peace talks must take place now. "Both sides must respect the rights of ethnic minorities to avoid a further escalation in the conflict." Caritas Georgia is providing food to people who have fled the conflict. Caritas Georgia is also seeking to provide medical help to the large number of casualties as hospitals in the capital Tbilisi face becoming overwhelmed. Caritas Georgia Programme Manager Liana Mkheidze said that providing food and medical help is the priority. She said, "Many people are coming to Tbilisi from Georgian villages around Tskhinvali and the also from Gori. Their houses have been damaged and they’re escaping the bombardment. "Caritas Georgia distributed 1920 small cans of tuna-fish and 420 cans of canned meat together with 500 loaves of freshly baked bread from its own bakery. We are preparing to distribute more bread and preparing food at our soup-kitchen if necessary to provide food to those made homeless. Local Caritas Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia says shelter for refugees is the priority. Director of Caritas Vladikavkaz (North Ossetia-Alania) Sergey Basiev said, "There are lots of refugees seeking shelter. They have nothing. The situation is dreadful. We will try to meet these urgent needs."
European Union	On 9 August, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, announced with American President George W. Bush that the EU and the USA will send a joint delegation to try to negotiate a cease fire.
Human Rights Watch	Georgia and Russia should not under any circumstances target civilians as the current hostilities intensify in South Ossetia, HRW said. "All sides must remember that attacks on civilians, or acts intended to terrorize civilians, clearly violate international humanitarian law, and may constitute war crimes," said Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "This would be true even if they are carried out in reprisal for indiscriminate attacks by the adversary."
NATO	NATO's official website posted the following statement from the NATO Secretary General: "The NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, is seriously concerned about the events that are taking place in the Georgian region of South Ossetia and said that the Alliance is closely following the situation. The Secretary General calls on all sides for an immediate end of the armed clashes and direct talks between the parties".
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe	The Finnish foreign minister Alexander Stubb, acting as the chairman of the organization, has travelled with the EU delegation to negotiate a cease-fire. Stubb has stated that OSCE is the only organization that has infrastructure in the area and which can immediately deploy military observers and humanitarian assistance to manage the conflict. All 56 members have supported the plan to send 100 military observers to monitor the ceasefire.
Red Cross International	On 8 August, The International Red Cross urged the combatant sides to make a humanitarian corridor to evacuate the wounded and civilians from Tskhinvali. On 11 August They released a statement saying it was sending 15 tons of medicine and medical supplies to the conflict zone. Also they stated "The ICRC has officially reminded Georgia and Russia of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and distinguish at all times between the civilian population and those taking a direct part in the hostilities. The four Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocol I and the customary rules and principles of international humanitarian law are all applicable in this situation."
United Nations	On 7 August, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon voiced grave concern over the escalation of violence and urged all parties to the conflict to "refrain from any actions that might jeopardize the situation further and pose threat to stability in the region". On August 8 at GMT 4 a.m. an emergency session of the UN Security Council was held to discuss the situation. The session was requested by Russia. The session failed to reach an agreement that would have called on Georgia and the separatists to immediately halt all fighting, but expressed its concern over the renewed conflict.

States releasing joint statements

Countries	Response
Estonia Latvia Lithuania	On August 10 Ene Ergma, Gundars Daudze and Česlovas Juršėnas, the presidents of the parliaments of the Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – issued a joint declaration expressing deep concern and anxiety over the events in Georgia: "We are calling on the international community to decisively condemn actions of Russia and to promptly take all necessary steps to stop the war and bring the parties to the negotiation table. Justification of Russia’s actions in Georgia by the need to protect its citizens is unacceptable. Alleged reasons for taking up a war against Georgia raise concerns about the future in every state with Russian citizens living on its territory. We are concerned and disappointed with the actions and behavior of Russia, as an important actor in the politics of the region and the whole world, which will inevitably have effect on further bilateral and multilateral relations with this country. Russia's military aggression against another sovereign state and actions contradicting the statements of its leaders raise serious doubts about the reliability and consistency of Russia as a partner."
Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland	Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Valdis Zatlers, Valdas Adamkus and Lech Kaczyński, respectively the Presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, issued a joint declaration condemning Russian invasion: "We strongly condemn the actions by the Russian military forces against the sovereign and independent country of Georgia. Following the unilateral military actions of the Russian military forces, we will use all means available to us as Presidents to ensure that aggression against a small country in Europe will not be passed over in silence or with meaningless statements equating the victims with the victimizers."
Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland Ukraine	Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Ivars Godmanis, Valdas Adamkus, Viktor Yushchenko, Lech Kaczyński, respectively the Presidents of Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Prime Minister of Latvia have visited Tbilisi together for the joint support of Georgia. The aim of this common diplomatic mission of European democratic states, which had been either satellite states or occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union prior to its 1991 dissolution, is a contribution to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of independent Georgia.

Individual states

Country	Response
Argentina	Argentine Foreign Ministry released a statement, which said that the Argentine government "deplores the violence, and exhorts involved parties to avoid any escalation that could worsen the conflict", and hopes that "peace is immediately restored in the region"
Armenia	The Armenian Foreign Ministry said Yerevan is closely monitoring the situation and urging the conflicting parties to call a halt to military operations. "We are certainly concerned about the situation and hope that a solution will be found very quickly," Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanian told RFE/RL. "We hope that the parties will make maximum efforts to quickly stop bloodshed and find peaceful solutions to contentious issues," he said.
Australia	Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for Georgia's territorial integrity.
Azerbaijan	A spokesman for the Azeri Foreign Ministry, Khazar Ibrahim, said that the Georgian actions were in accord with international law and that Azerbaijan recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia.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. There is negative public opinion in Azerbaijan regarding Russia's actions in Georgian territory
Bangladesh	The caretaker government's Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a statement: "This outbreak of violence is a matter of deep concern for the international community including Bangladesh. We hope for an early cessation of hostilities."
Belarus	"The use of military force in the zone of South Ossetia, civilian casualties, bloodshed, economic losses, ruined peaceful life of people cause a deep concern in us. Only immediate ceasefire, peaceful and civilized manner of negotiating will secure stability in the South Ossetian region and across the Caucasus." - Maria Vanshina, Deputy Head for Information of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko stated that "the Belarussian people, like all Russians, is in mourning over the victims of the tragedy and shares the concerns of those who lost relatives, their homes and their livelihoods. May they have strength and courage in overcoming the consequences of this humanitarian catastrophe." Prime Minister Sergey Sidorsky said that his country had sent humanitarian aid to victims of fighting in South Ossetia and was ready to host several thousand children over the next two months.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	The Government of Republika Srpska sent condolences to families of those who were killed during the war. The statement condemned Georgia for taking unilateral military action which undermined the peace and called the reaction of Russia legitimate. Republika Srpska Government expressed hope for the restoration of peace and declared the mutual agreement to be the right way to solve the crisis.
Brazil	The Brazilian Foreign Ministry issued the following statement: "The Brazilian Government follows with grave concern the escalation of violence in South Ossetia and is saddened by the loss of lives in the conflict. Brazil deplores the use of violence and supports the peaceful solution of controversies. Brazil urges the parties involved to seek dialogue, for an immediate cease-fire and reconciliation in order to restore peace and security in the region, based on International Law."
Bulgaria	Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivaylo Kalfin issued the following statement: "Bulgaria supports a strong and active European position in the South Ossetia conflict. Our embassy in Georgia is working night and day." According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official statement, "Bulgaria is monitoring the escalation of the tensions in the area of the South Ossetia conflict with concern. The reports of victims among the civilian population in the region of the town of Tskhinvali cause particular anxiety. As an European Union member, Bulgaria would support the union's more active diplomatic involvement in order to prevent the further escalation of the tensions and to contribute to the solution of the conflict in the region of South Ossetia.
Canada	Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Emerson, released the following statement: "Canada is gravely concerned about the recent violence in South Ossetia, and we deplore the casualties that have resulted. We call for an immediate halt to the hostilities and strongly urge all parties involved to display restraint in words and deeds, and to respect national boundaries. Canada stands ready to work with its partners in the United Nations and in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict." On August 10, 2008 David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, released a statement on the continuing hostilities in Georgia: “I am very concerned about the expansion of hostilities well beyond the region of South Ossetia. Rather than acting as a neutral peacekeeper, Russia has escalated the hostilities through its attacks on Georgian towns and cities outside the conflict zone. Canada calls on Russia to respect Georgia’s borders and to desist from any further encroachment on Georgia’s territorial integrity."
Chile	The Foreign Minister, Alejandro Foxley, expressed that the Government of Chile deplores the act of violence and armed confrontation in South Ossetia and adjacent places, which have caused numerous victims and uncountable material damages. In a press conference, Minister Foxley said that Chile formulates a call to respect the cease of fire "because, the worst from these situations, where territories are disputed, is the large amount of victims, who are absolutely innocent people. The way of dialog has an institutional framework, which is the Charter of the United Nations. The situation is extremely complex, and the first step to take is to reestablish peace, to sit in the negotiation table and to look for rules for pacific coexistence".
People's Republic of China	A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Qin Gang said that "China expresses grave concern over the escalation of tension and armed conflicts in South Ossetia. China calls upon relevant parties to keep restraint and cease fire immediately. We sincerely hope relevant parties resolve their disputes peacefully through dialogue, so as to safeguard regional peace and stability." China also called for an "Olympic ceasefire", following the tradition of ceasing hostilities during the Ancient Olympic Games.
Croatia	The Croatian United Nations ambassador appealed for the Olympic Truce.
Cuba	Cuban President Raul Castro stated that "It's false that Georgia is defending its national sovereignty. The request for a previous withdrawal of the invaders is just and our government supports it." Castro also added that "The Autonomous Republic of South Ossetia historically formed part of the Russian Federation" and condemned the United States.
Czech Republic	Czech President, Václav Klaus, stated that when many Western powers decided to recognize Kosovo's break from Serbia in February, it "gave Russia a strong justification for its actions (in Georgia)". Klaus also said that he was worried that the precedent of Kosovo will have long-term consequences in other parts of the world with separatist-minded regions. He also rejected the idea that the Georgia-Russia conflict is a strong argument for the installation of a U.S. radar base in the Czech Republic as part of a missile defense system. He also said "I refuse to accept this widespread, simplified interpretation which paints the Georgians as the victims and the Russians as the villains" and rejected comparison with Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia saying that in 1968 Czechoslovakia did not attack Subcarpathian Ruthenia and that in his view the pro-reform Czechoslovak leader Alexander Dubček did not resemble President Saakashvili in word or deed. He criticized both sides "I unambiguously condemn Georgia's attack on South Ossetia, the murdering of civilians in the area as well as the massive intervention of the Russian military". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic released a statement expressing the country's "deep concern" at the unfolding events, urging the immediate cessation of hostilities and for the international community to intervene.
Denmark	The Prime Minister of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemns Russia's aggression: "We have to insist that the sovereignty of Georgia be respected. There are no military solutions. There is only one solution: diplomatic negotiation. The conflict in the breakaway region doesn't justify Russia's aggression"
Estonia	The Estonian parliament Riigikogu no 12 August „condemns the military aggression of the Russian Federation against the Republic of Georgia” and states that „when the Russian Federation justifies the military aggression with the need to protect Russian citizens, it is using arguments identical to those used by the National Socialist Germany when it attacked its neighbours Czechoslovakia and Poland and crushed their independence. The return to such argumentation causes serious anxiety about world peace.” The Riigikogu calls on the international community „to assist Georgia in every way possible”. The president of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, said on Thursday that Russia's strike into Georgia should persuade NATO urgently to give Georgia and Ukraine membership of the alliance, Reuters reports.
Finland	Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, also serving as the OSCE chairman-in-office, has been in contact with both Tbilisi and Tskhinvali, urging the parties to stop any military action and to try and restore direct talks instead. He has travelled to the region with the French foreign minister.
France	France has been trying to urge both sides reach a ceasefire.
Germany	German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she had "to say that I found some of Russia's actions disproportionate and in particular think the presence of Russian troops in Georgia proper is not sensible. Russian troops should withdraw from central areas in Georgia." But she acknowledged some of the Russian actions were reasonable. "Both sides are probably to blame," she said.Reactions from the ruling coalition were mixed. Foreign Minister Steinmeier has stated being "appalled by the escalation of violence" and demanded that "all combat has to be ceased immediately" on August 8th. He urged the international community to prevent "tensions, violence and looming war" from "spreading throughout the Caucasus". Deputy Foreign Minister Gernot Erler accused Georgia of violating international law by breaking a 1992 ceasefire agreement with Russia. Eckart von Klaeden, foreign policy spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union, said Russia was to blame.
Greece	Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stated four targets to be aimed at: consistent observance of the ceasefire, a confirmed final ending of operations, a return to the previous status and the beginning of a substantive dialogue. She didn't side towards any party of the conflict while she both expressed support for Nicolas Sarkozy's efforts through EU, and talked of providing 100,000 euros to South Ossetian refugees. . The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with Greek diaspora members in Georgia from 9 August through the Greek embassy in Tblisi and Greek organizations in the country. Mr Kassimis, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Greece, made an announcement on 10 August in which he explained that the emergency committee of the ministry is active 24 hours a day and that there are 6 Greek families in South Ossetia but they face no problems from the violence, and 1 Greek family in Gori which is also okay. The political parties of Greece also made announcements: PASOK called for peace, KKE blamed imperialism for the war, and LAOS said that those who moved the Georgians in this way should be ashamed. (note: the current government party in Greece is Nea Dimokratia) On 14 August 2008 the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a Greek diaspora member, Ivan Mihailidis, was killed in the capital of South Ossetia, while his 3 family members remain in the town, and that in Vladikavkaz there are 25 refugees that are members of the Greek diaspora or their families; the Greek government provided financial aid to the Greek diaspora families.
Iceland	The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir has in a statement from the Ministry called on the belligerents to preserve civilians and demands a quick end to the hostilities with a peaceful solution.
Iran	Islamic Republic Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said: "The Islamic republic voices concern over the military conflicts in South Ossetia that have led to the killing of defenseless people and calls for an immediate halt to the clashes", he was also quoted as saying: "Iran is ready to offer any help ... under its principal policies of contributing to the establishment of peace and stability in the region".
Ireland	Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, issued the following statement: "I am gravely concerned about recent violence in the Georgian region of South Ossetia and attacks elsewhere in Georgia. Ireland fully supports Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity. I welcome the Georgian offer of a ceasefire and call on all parties to immediately accept this. Every effort must be made to keep the situation from escalating further. In this regard, the EU is working hard to find a solution to the current crisis. Ireland will be represented at an emergency General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on Wednesday. The humanitarian crisis in the country is worsening, with many casualties and refugees from the fighting. Ireland stands ready to contribute to relief efforts there. In this difficult time, my Department has kept in close contact with the Irish community in Georgia, most of whom have now left the country. I would urge anyone visiting Georgia to exercise extreme caution."
Israel	On 5 August, it was reported by Stratfor and Russia Today that Israel planned to halt arms sales to Georgia because of Russian objections. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following statement: "Israel recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia and calls for a peaceful solution."
Italy	On 8 August, the Italian Government issued a statement reporting that "In close coordination with its European Union and Atlantic partners, the Italian Government is following the crisis situation that has developed in South Ossetia with grave concern" and that "Italy calls on all parties to bring an immediate end to the violence and reach a lasting cessation of hostilities. It strongly encourages a resumption of negotiations for a political solution to the problem with due respect for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity". Later, on 10 August, after contacts with the US Secretary of State, the French Foreign Minister and the Finnish Foreign Minister, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated this invitation. In a 11 August interview with the La Stampa newspaper, the Italian Foreign Ministry reported about the direct involvement of Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy: "Sarkozy phoned Putin in his capacity as current President of the European Union, and 10 minutes later he phoned Berlusconi. ‘Silvio, you speak to Vladimir too’, he said, ‘explain that we’re not anti-Russian and we all want Moscow to be close to the EU’. In his conversation with Berlusconi, Putin reiterated his position: that Russia had every right to intervene in Georgia”, and made a reference about an eventual deployment of Italian troops: "If, after his meetings in Tbilisi and Moscow, Kouchner submits a proposal to the European Council of Foreign Ministers on Wednesday, and it’s approved, we’ll take it into consideration. There are a lot of ‘ifs’, and we’d need in any case to redistribute our forces, which are finite, by redeploying them from other international missions. Humanitarian aid for South Ossetia, on the other hand, is ready as of now".
Japan	The Japanese Foreign Ministry expressed their condolences in connection with armed conflict and called on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and sit at the negotiating table. The Ministry also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity.
Kazakhstan	Following Vladimir Putin's remarks, the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, said "The Georgian leadership was not right when it failed to inform [other nations] on its actions toward South Ossetia and about higher tensions taking place there". Interfax also reported that Nazarbayev "agreed with Putin's view that countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States should make an assessment of the situation and undertake efforts to halt it".
Latvia	On 14 August, the Latvian parliament Saeima issued an official statement announcing that it "condemns Russia’s military attack on Georgia and expresses its condolences to the relatives of the deceased. The Saeima considers that Russia has violated Georgia’s national sovereignty and the state’s inviolability by conducting military attacks on Georgia’s civilian and military objects. These actions create concerns about the security, territorial inviolability and independence of every country that is Russia’s neighbour." Saeima sates that "Russia’s peace-keeping mission in Georgia has failed; not only border conflicts have remained unresolved, but disproportionate hostilities have been provoked causing the death of civilians and significantly damaging Georgia’s civilian and military infrastructure" and calls the member states of NATO "to assess the new security situation which has emerged in the world after the Russian-Georgian conflict and see to it that the EU and NATO find solutions that would strengthen and guarantee the future security of all the neighbouring states of Russia."
Netherlands	Dutch prime minister Jan-Peter Balkenende spoke with Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Sarkozy in Beijing where he expressed his concerns on the situation. He pointed out the importance of preventing as much violence as possible and how there should be work on achieving stabilisation.
New Zealand	New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark released a statement from the Beehive saying “New Zealand is deeply concerned about the hostilities and loss of life in South Ossetia and the ramifications for regional stability and the New Zealand Government calls on all parties to exercise restraint. We call for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations to end the conflict. . . We urge all parties to continue to discuss and seek to resolve this matter through the good offices of the United Nations"
Norway	Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Norway has said "We recognise the sovereignty of Georgia. This conflict must be handled at the negotiation table, not the battle field."
Poland	The Russian Federation is blocking Georgian internet portals. On request of the President of Georgia, President of the Republic of Poland has provided the website of the President of Poland for dissemination of information. Chairman of the Council of Ministers Donald Tusk informed journalists at a press conference about actions undertaken by the government so far as regards the Georgian crisis. He said that a team had been established to coordinate actions of the Polish government and the President in connection with the situation in Caucasus. The head of government also asked French President Nicolas Sarkozy to convene the European Council session. In the Prime Minister’s opinion, a quick reaction of the European Union and NATO is necessary in order to work out truce. This is all the more important – he said – that signals have appeared that Russian activeness on the Ossetia and Georgia borderline has not diminished but, on the contrary, is growing. “The most important thing Polish diplomacy can do today is to effectively mobilise the European Union and NATO,” the head of government said. Piotr Paszkowski, Press Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of the Republic of Poland "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses serious concern about the development of the situation in the South Ossetia region of Georgia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the infringement of Georgian territorial integrity by foreign military forces to be unacceptable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appeals to both sides in the conflict to immediately cease military action and return to negotiations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlines the need to ensure the safe functioning of international organisations, in particular the OSCE and the International Red Cross, and to ensure the evacuation of the civilian population from zones affected by fighting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on countries and international organisations engaged in the process of resolving the conflict in the South Ossetia in Georgia to take action immediately to normalise the situation with respect for the territorial integrity of Georgia." Poland and the United States have signed a preliminary deal to place part of a U.S. ballistic missile defense system in Poland, a plan that has drawn sharp objections from Russia. "Our political and military cooperation moves to a different higher level." Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, said, after the signing. On August 15th, Russia threatened Poland with an attack -- perhaps with nuclear weapons -- for accepting the U.S. missile interceptor base on its soil; this was Moscow's strongest language yet against the plan. "Poland, by deploying (the system) is exposing itself to a strike — 100 percent," Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn, the deputy chief of staff of Russia's armed forces, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying; he went on to warn Poland that Russian tactical doctrine allows for nuclear attacks "against the allies of countries having nuclear weapons if they in some way help them." (See Foreign relations of Poland)
Portugal	The Portuguese Government released a statement, which said that the Portuguese government wants an "immediate cease fire" and that supports the European Union and the OSCE in anything they do about this crisis. He also said that Portugal is available to send troops to the region, in a peace keeping mission.
Romania	Traian Băsescu, President of Romania has said (august 9, 2008 official press release) "... Romania reaffirms the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. ... Romania makes a call to all parties to show responsibility and to cease hostilities immediately in order to create conditions for negotiations to guarantee peace and stability in the region". He promised that "Romania will join the efforts of the European Union and NATO, contributing its own expertise to promote a negotiated solution that will bring stability in the South Caucasus." He also stated that "In Kosovo, so-called collective rights were put ahead of a country's integrity. Now see what is happening in southern Caucasus. The development is that territorial integrity is stepped over in the name of protecting minority rights. You cannot have that." Furthermore, on the early hours of August 14 a group of protestors representing a number of non-governamental organisations started a peaceful demonstration supporting Georgia in front of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bucharest.
Spain	Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that it is "regrettable" that Georgians and Russians violate the Olympic truce. He also called the EU to send a message to both sides to start the "political and diplomatic dialogue" in order to achieve "peace and stability".
Serbia	Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković expressed the concern about the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflicts. He pointed out that the government of Serbia is sorry about the loss of lives and condemns any kind of violence against civilians and called for the cessation of conflicts. Also, he hailed peaceful efforts and attempts to end the crisis through negotiations. Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić commented on situation by comparing the situation to the one in Kosovo by saying that Kosovo "set a dangerous precedent for the solution of problems all over the world". He also criticized the Georgian leadership for taking nonpeaceful measures against the separatist region - "the conflict in the Caucusus has shown the dangers of the militaristic approach to problem solving" and added that "Serbia’s approach will be different, based on legal grounds and peaceful, which means seeking the opinion of the International Court of Justice." Oliver Ivanović, State Secretary of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, stated that "The question of Kosovo was didactic and inspirational for South Ossetia, so that they wanted to further strain the relations and define their position, which is understandable. Georgia has tried to solve the issue by using violence just as Serbia tried to do it in 1999. Again as in the case of Kosovo, the politics of double standards will come out in the United Nations. Countries that have recognized the independence of Kosovo are now looking for an argument that Kosovo is a "special case", which is a complete nonsense. When one goes into the violation of the international law and disregard of the sovereignty of states, as it was done in the case of Kosovo, they can expect the possibility that such a recipe will be applied in all other situations".
Slovakia	Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he agreed with Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that all parties of the conflict must lay down their weapons. However, he also identified Georgia as the provocateur of the conflict and said that while Russia's reaction was forceful, he rejects "such a black and white perception, according to which one side (Georgia) is good and the others (Russia, Ossetia, Abkhazia) are bad"
Sweden	Swedish Prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt criticized Russia's attacks on Georgia, calling them "Russian aggressions in violation of international conventions.". Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Carl Bildt said in a statement: "The way in which the situation in South Ossetia has deteriorated is cause for profound concern. It is extremely important that all those involved show restraint and play their part in bringing about a political solution," ... "I am particularly concerned about the impact of the conflict on civilians. Georgia and Russia are dangerously close to war and there is a great risk of this spreading to other parts of the Caucasus." Bildt further stated that the crisis is due to "provocations from the South Ossetian side" and that the Georgian forces are trying to "restore the constitutional order", and that the Russian bombing of Georgia is "very worrying and will demand a forceful reaction from the United Nations and the European Union." "No state has the right to intervene militarily in the territory of another state simply because there are individuals there with a passport issued by that state or who are nationals of the state. Attempts to apply such a doctrine have plunged Europe into war in the past... And we have reason to remember how Hitler used this very doctrine little more than half a century ago to undermine and attack substantial parts of central Europe," Bildt said in a statement. On August 12 Bildt said in a telephone interview from the Georgian capital Tbilisi that: "Russia's military attacks on Georgia will damage both Moscow's and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's image abroad" ... "Russia will sooner or later have to pay a high price for this," .... "It changes Russia's image, there is no doubt about it," he said, adding that the attacks bore witness to "a strong element of revenge, particularly from Prime Minister Putin." On August 18, Prime Minster Fredrik Reinfeldt halted all exercises and military ties between Sweden and Russia, saying that "the Russian invasion of Georgia is unacceptable and a crime against international law. The Russian action has changed [our view] of Russia as an international partner."
Turkey	Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that the fighting is a grave concern for Turkey, which neighbors Georgia. Erdoğan has called for an immediate cease-fire and has said that he would call Georgian and Russian leaders to urge restraint if necessary. Later on that day, Turkey agreed to a Georgian request to supply 30-40 MW of electricity to Georgia. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan went to Russia on 14 August to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. On August 13, the Prime Minister of Turkey Abdullah Gul had a phone conversation with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in which he highly appraised Medvedev’s decisions, including those taken together with the European Union, and expressed Turkey’s willingness to facilitate the implementation of the conflict resolution principles that all the parties had agreed to. He also expressed his profound condolences at the mass deaths of civilians in South Ossetia and his hope for swift normalisation of the situation.
Ukraine	The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called to all sides to stop fire immediately and to start solving the problem by negotiations. Ukraine has confirmed its position of support of Georgian territorial integrity and sovereignty. It was stated that Ukraine is ready to make its contribution to peaceful resolution of the region's conflict within the framework of international diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko, has sent his special representative Kostyantyn Yelisyeyev to Tbilisi as a result of phone conversation of Georgian President Saakashvili. The aims of the visit are consultations with Georgian authorities and representatives of OSCE, investigation of the situation in the region and presenting of the Ukrainian position on peaceful resolution of conflict. The Foreign Ministry also called on Russia to remove its troops from Georgia and pressure the "separatist regime" to negotiations. Ukraine has stated that it reserves the right to bar Russian warships dispatched to the Georgian coast from returning to their base in the Ukrainian city in Sevastopol. Ukraine has sent a plane of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence to Georgia with 30 tons of humanitarian aid for Georgians. President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko visited Tbilisi on 12th of August and presented a speech on the main squre of Georgian capital before 200 thousands crowd. He stated that came here to support friendly Georgian nation in its aspiration to freedom and independence. He confirmed absolute solidarity with Georgia. "Freedom is worthy to fight for it. We came here to prove your sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. That is our values. You never be alone. ... There are millions of us."
United Kingdom	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states on its website that it is 'monitoring developments in Georgia following news that there has been heavy fighting between Georgian forces and South Ossetian separatists. We urge an immediate ceasefire in the fighting in South Ossetia and for a resumption of direct dialogue between all parties. ... The offer of a ceasefire by the Georgian government is very welcome. We now look to the Russian Government to accept this offer and agree to an immediate ceasefire, in line with its international commitments to respect Georgian territorial integrity.' The British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband has said I have today had a number of calls with international colleagues. There is widespread concern about the escalating violence in Georgia...British representatives on the ground and the media have reported that Russia has extended the fighting today well beyond South Ossetia, attacking the Georgian port of Poti ,and the town of Gori, while Abkhaz forces have been shelling Georgian positions in the Upper Kodori valley. I deplore this. ... At the UN, the EU and the OSCE the UK will lend its strong support to all those committed to a swift resolution to the conflict.
United States	After the GMT 4:00 8 August UN Security Council meeting, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried said that it appeared that the South Ossetians were the provokers of the violence. Fried said, "We have urged the Russians to urge their South Ossetian friends to pull back and show greater restraint. And we believe that the Russians ... are trying to do just that." White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said on 8 August, "All sides should bring an immediate end to the violence and engage in direct talks to resolve this matter peacefully." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice later stated: "We call on Russia to cease attacks on Georgia by aircraft and missiles, respect Georgia's territorial integrity, and withdraw its ground combat forces from Georgian soil." A senior U.S. official reportedly said on August 9, "The response has been far disproportionate from whatever threat Russia was citing," the senior American official told reporters in a conference call. "We are calling for an immediate cease-fire and a stand down of all troops." President George W. Bush said the use of air power was a dangerous escalation. The US Vice President Dick Cheney said on August 10, "Russian aggression must not go unanswered, and that its continuation would have serious consequences for its relations with the United States, as well as the broader international community." in an expression of U.S. solidarity with Georgia in the conflict with Russia President Bush said on August 13 that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will head to Paris to meet with French and European Council President Nicholas Sarkozy to discuss the crisis, before heading to Tbilisi to express U.S. support for Georgia.
Vatican City	On August 10 Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hope that "military action will stop immediately and that they will abstain, in the name of their common Christian inheritance, from further clashes and violence." He also called on the international community to find "a peaceful and lasting solution."
Venezuela	On 14 August, the Venezuelan government stated that they followed with concern the "unacceptable acts of violence perpetrated by the Georgian troops against the South Ossetian population" and that the conflict was "planned, set and ordered by the United States government". They also stated that the Russian forces acted legitimately, according to international treaties, in order to preserve the lives of South Ossetians and Russians. They also celebrated the steps done in favor of reestablishing peace and warned European countries to "not allow external actors putting at risk the stability of European continent and world peace".

Unrecognised states and non-state entities

Entity	Response
Abkhazia	On 5 August, separatist Abkhazia's foreign minister, Sergey Shamba, announced that Abkhazia's army may open a second front against Georgia if it launched a full-scale attack against Ossetia. As of 9 August, Abkhazian troops are lined along the border with the rest of Georgia.
Caucasus Emirate	On 9 August, Movladi Udugov, rebel spokesman for the Caucasus Emirate, stated that "for the time being neither Tbilisi nor Washington have appealed to us with any requests or offers" to fight alongside Georgian forces against the Russian forces. Udugov also noted: "But I clearly can say that the command of the Caucasus Emirate is following with great interest the development of the situation."
Chechen Republic of Ichkeria	Usman Ferzauli, the Foreign Minster of the separatist Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, called for the international community to halt the Russian advance in Georgia, stating: "Based on this alarming situation, the leadership of the CRI calls on all peace-loving countries to show integrity and curb the aggressor, to prevent the escalation of military conflict."
Don Cossacks	On 8 August (12:24 UTC), Viktor Vodolatskiy, the ataman of the Don Cossacks Host, said that a "volunteer 429th independent motor rifle regiment" will be created to help the fight in South Ossetia and that 450 people were already signed up. Since then, hundreds of Don Cossack volunteers have been streaming across the border to fight against Georgia.
Kuban Cossacks	The Kuban Cossacks, according to Khariton Yedziyev, expressed their readiness to help in the defence of South Ossetia.
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic	A number of public ministries in the republic released a joint statement: "The fragile peace in the Caucasus, obtained at the cost of irreplaceable losses and sacrifices, can collapse in an hour. The nations of the Caucacus and the whole region can come under the real threat of a new big war. We consider the effort to solve any conflict by force absolutely unallowable, and we call on the government of Georgia to immediately stop the fighting, which has already brought about numerous casualties among the peaceful population of South Ossetia. We call upon our colleagues and friends in Georgia, with whom we have worked together for many years and spent no small effort in order to keep the peace in the Caucasus, to join our call and demand that their government turns away from the politics of war and sits at the negotiating table.
North Ossetia	The North Ossetian president, Taimuraz Mamsurov accompanied a convoy to the area and was party to a bombardment, surviving unharmed. Earlier, he told the Interfax news agency that hundreds of armed volunteers from North Ossetia were heading to the area of Tskhinvali.
Terek Cossacks	on 8 August, 06:16, Khariton Yedziyev, the ataman of the Terek Cossacks, said that part of his regiment is already fighting in South Ossetia against Georgia, and that more volunteer regiments will be formed.
Transnistria	On 8 August, the separatist republic's Foreign Ministry: "The act was against a free democratic nation of South Ossetia... The Georgian government doesn't understand any logic but the logic of blood and violence... We don't exclude our government won't prevent volunteers to join the defense of the South Ossetian Republic".

Popular protests regarding 2008 South Ossetia war

Main article: Protests regarding 2008 South Ossetia war

Popular protests for peace were held throughout Europe and in the United States as the war unfolded.