OSCE Permanent Council Discusses 18th Anniversary of 2008 Russia-Georgia War

The OSCE Permanent Council discussed the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia addressed the meeting.

According to Georgia’s Foreign Ministry, Darsalia spoke about Russia’s large-scale aggression against Georgia in 2008 and noted that, 18 years later, Russia continues to occupy Georgian territories and maintain an illegal military presence there.

He said Russia continues to disregard its international obligations, including the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, and refuses to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory, reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of the occupied regions, and ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

“Darsalia drew attention to the difficult humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories, including illegal detentions, killings, discrimination, restrictions on freedom of movement and other violations. It was noted that Russia continues to block access for international mechanisms to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Lasha Darsalia spoke about security challenges related to Russia’s illegal military presence on land, in the airspace and maritime areas, as well as Russia’s integration of the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions into its political, military and legal systems.

In this context, attention was drawn to the ‘Agreement on Deepening Allied Cooperation,’ signed between Russia and the Tskhinvali occupation regime on May 9, 2026. According to the Georgian side, the agreement institutionalizes Moscow’s administrative control and contributes to the de facto annexation of the region.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said Georgia remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and highlighted steps taken toward reconciliation and confidence-building, aimed at promoting dialogue and interaction between artificially divided communities.

Darsalia also focused on the Geneva International Discussions as the only format in which Georgia and Russia, with the involvement of international actors, discuss the implementation of the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, as well as the return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the importance of partners’ support for upholding the fundamental principles of the international order was once again emphasized.

Representatives of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Türkiye made statements in support of Georgia at the meeting,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.