Official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
On the 18th anniversary of Russia's invasion of Georgia, the Ukrainian foreign ministry has issued a statement. It condemns the occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and reminds of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in 2008, which resulted in hundreds of casualties and hundreds of thousands of refugees. At that time, Moscow occupied Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region — this became the first manifestation of imperial policy, which in 2014 led to the occupation of the Ukrainian territories of Crimea and Donbas.
The systemic nature of Russian aggression
The statement emphasizes that the 2008 invasion is not an isolated incident, but part of a continuous aggressive line of Moscow. The methods of this policy include:
- borderization;
- forced passportization;
- displacement of indigenous populations.
The Ukrainian side calls on the international community to increase pressure on Russia and expand sanctions. It also affirms support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
The document states that Russia is obliged to withdraw its troops from the temporarily occupied territories of Georgia and Ukraine in accordance with its international obligations.
"Crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during aggression are not subject to statute of limitations, and those responsible in Russia must face national and international justice"— the statement reads.
Thus, Kyiv calls on the global community to unite efforts to hold the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation accountable. The foreign ministry notes that international support is crucial for countering Russian aggression.
This statement reaffirms Ukraine's active diplomatic stance aimed at drawing attention to Russia's actions. It also demonstrates the connection between events in Georgia and Ukraine: the Kremlin's aggression towards neighboring states is of a systemic nature. This step may contribute to tightening the sanctions regime and increasing pressure on the Kremlin, which could influence Russia's further decisions in the region. It is important for the Russian audience to see: the events in Georgia and Ukraine are not separate conflicts but links in a single aggressive policy, for which international responsibility is foreseen.