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

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

The Deputy Minister spoke about the large-scale aggression carried out by Russia against Georgia in 2008 and noted that, 18 years on, Russia continues to occupy Georgian territories and maintain an illegal military presence there; disregard its international obligations, including the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, refuse to withdraw its forces from Georgia’s territories, 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.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the grave humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories, including cases of illegal detention, 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 Tskhinvali regions.

Lasha Darsalia spoke about the security challenges arising from Russia’s illegal military presence in the land, air and maritime domains, as well as Russia’s integration of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions into its own political, military and legal frameworks. In this context, he referred to the “Treaty on Deepening Allied Cooperation”, signed between Russia and the Tskhinvali occupation regime on 9 May 2026, which institutionalizes Moscow’s administrative control and facilitates the de facto annexation of the region.

The Deputy Minister noted that Georgia remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and emphasized the steps taken towards reconciliation and confidence-building, aimed at facilitating dialogue and interaction between artificially divided communities.

Lasha Darsalia highlighted the Geneva International Discussions as the only format between Georgia and Russia where, with the engagement of international actors, issues related to the implementation of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, as well as the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, are discussed.

In conclusion, the importance of the support of partners in upholding the fundamental principles of the international order was once again underscored.

At the meeting, representatives of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Türkiye made statements in support of Georgia.