Statement of the Georgian Foreign Ministry in reaction to the illegal military activities of the Russian Federation

On 17 August 2015, the Russian Federation launched large-scale military exercises at the military base of the Southern Military District, including in Georgia's occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. Based on the official website of the Russian Defence Ministry, the exercises involve the use of such modern weapons as Grad-M, Uragan and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems; 152-mm and 122-mm towed howitzer pieces: Msta-С and D-30; towed artillery piece: Nona and other military systems. The exercises will continue until 18 September.

Today the Russian army of the Southern Military District deployed in the North Caucasus and in the occupied Tskhinvali region started field exercises using new generation communications systems. The field exercises currently involve more than 2000 troops and over 500 pieces of special communications equipment.

In parallel to military exercises, Russia continues to violate Georgia-controlled airspace. In particular, on 19 August, at 10:57am, Russian military MI-8 helicopter entered Georgian-controlled airspace from the occupied Khelchua village and flew over the Zardiaantkari village in Gori. After violating Georgian airspace, the helicopter continued moving towards occupied Akhalgori.

Such actions of the Russian Federation are of provocative character posing threat to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The Georgian Foreign Ministry demands from the Russian Federation to comply with the fundamental principles of international law, as well as with the international commitments undertaken by Russia, including under the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008, and to de-occupy the Georgian territories.

At the same time, the Georgian Foreign Ministry calls upon the international community, in particular, the EU Monitoring Mission and the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions to duly assess Russia’s activities directed against Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.