Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the West, Ukraine, and “Georgian radical forces” are attempting to drag Georgia into new armed conflicts in the South Caucasus. The accusation was made on August 8 — the date Moscow considers the start of the 2008 war.
“A real contribution to stabilizing the situation in border areas should be the launching of the process of delimitation of the Georgian–South Ossetian and Georgian–Abkhazian state borders, followed by their demarcation. These tasks acquire special significance against the backdrop of attempts by Westerners, the Nazi regime in Kyiv, and Georgian radical political forces to drag Tbilisi into new bloody adventures in the South Caucasus.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement on the non-use of force between Tbilisi, Sukhumi, and Tskhinvali. The ministry believes that such legal obligations would serve as a “reliable guarantee against a repetition of the tragic events of August 2008.”
Moscow believes that efforts are underway in Georgian society to rethink the events of 2008:
“At the same time, recognizing the full responsibility of M. Saakashvili’s regime for unleashing the armed conflict is justified. Statements by the leadership of Georgia on the need for reconciliation with Abkhazians and South Ossetians are noted, instilling hope that this transformation of approaches will not remain at the level of declarations, but will be backed by concrete practical actions to settle relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
The Foreign Ministry also added that the Russian side stands ready “to continue providing comprehensive assistance to the parties” in advancing the negotiation process, building trust, and shaping inter-state relations in the interest of stability and security in the South Caucasus.