For me, the August 2008 war is one of the most famous stories in the history of Georgia, it was a great example of true heroism – former President Mikheil Saakashvili said in a video address in connection with the 11th anniversary of the August war.

According to him, in 2008, the whole community stood together and defended the country. “Eleven years passed after Putin attacked Georgia following many provocations, armed clashes, large international propaganda, cyberattacks and economic embargoes.

For me, the August 2008 war is one of the most famous stories in the history of Georgia, it was a great example of true heroism. Giorgi Antsukhelidze, heroes of Shindisi, ordinary civilians who showed incredible courage and the whole Georgian society, with very few exceptions, stood together on Rustaveli and defended the country.

This is real heroism, because in 2008, no matter what others say, Putin’s Russia failed to accomplish any of its strategic tasks. They failed to change Georgia’s foreign policy, they failed to overthrow the Georgian government and they failed to break the Georgian nation. Georgia survived due to incredible efforts of our heroes and with the unity and exceptional courage of our people,” Saakashvili said, adding that Bidzina Ivanishvili’s presence in power is a continuation of Putin’s war in Georgia.

“We save Georgia in 2008, but politicians could not do the same in 2012 when Putin brought Ivanishvili to power. Ivanishvili in power is the continuation of Putin’s war against the Georgian people”, Saakashvili said.

According to him, Ivanishvili’s aim is to economically destroy Georgia, massively expel Georgians abroad, and at the same time, to destroy any sign of democracy.