Russo-Georgian War

The Russo-Georgian War happened in August 2008 between Georgia and the Russian Federation. It began when Georgia tried to take back a region called South Ossetia. People there wanted to separate from Georgia and join Russia. Russia sent its army into Georgia, and fighting also happened in another region, Abkhazia.

This war was important because it was the first war in Europe in the 21st century. It showed how tensions can grow between countries. Many people had to leave their homes, and the war caused sadness and damage in Georgia.

After the war, Russia said it would protect South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, even though most of the world did not agree. The conflict changed the relationship between Georgia and Russia. Georgia wanted to become closer friends with other countries like the European Union and NATO.

Background

Main article: Background of the Russo-Georgian War

Fragment of the 1856 map by J. H. Colton, showing the territory of modern South Ossetia within Georgia and Imeria. Modern North Ossetia corresponds to "Ossia" (Ossetia) in the North Caucasus. Ossetia became part of the Mountain ASSR in 1921 and was renamed into North Ossetia only in 1924.

History

In the past, Georgia was a country where many people lived together. Over time, different groups argued over land and control. In the early 1900s, Georgia became independent but was later taken over by Russia. After World War II, parts of Georgia were split, and some areas, like South Ossetia, wanted to be separate from Georgia.

In the 1990s, when the Soviet Union broke apart, Georgia became independent again. However, South Ossetia and another area called Abkhazia still wanted to be separate. This led to fights between Georgia and these regions, supported by Russia. Peace agreements were made, but tensions remained.

Russian interests and involvement

U.S. President George W. Bush and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi, May 2005

Russia had reasons to support South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The area between the Black Sea and the Middle East was important for Russia. Russia also wanted to keep control over these regions to protect its own security and economic interests. By giving out Russian passports to people in these areas, Russia claimed a right to protect them.

When Georgia tried to join NATO, an alliance of countries that work together for safety, Russia became more upset. Russia saw this as a threat because NATO would be closer to its borders. This led to more tension between Russia and Georgia.

Unresolved conflicts

When a new leader, Mikheil Saakashvili, came to power in Georgia, he wanted to bring South Ossetia and Abkhazia back under Georgia’s control. This caused more fighting. Georgia tried to make peace plans, but the leaders of South Ossetia and Abkhazia did not agree.

In 2008, both South Ossetia and Abkhazia asked Russia to recognize them as independent countries. Georgia tried to get international help to keep peace, but Russia and the separatist regions did not join these efforts.

Relations between Georgia and the West

Prelude

Main article: 2008 Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis

In April 2008, Russia made an agreement with two regions that wanted to leave Georgia, called Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This caused more tension between Russia and Georgia.

After this, there were many arguments and small fights between the two sides. Drones were shot down, and both sides blamed each other for getting ready for war. In July, military training happened on both sides, and Russian troops stayed near Georgia’s border after their training finished. These events led to the conflict that came later.

Hostilities

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the Russo-Georgian War.

Fighting began in early August when an explosion hurt some Georgian police officers near Tskhinvali. This led to more fighting between Georgian and South Ossetian forces. Over the next few days, the situation got worse with more attacks and injuries on both sides.

On August 7th, Georgian forces moved towards Tskhinvali after South Ossetian attacks. The next day, Russian forces entered the area to support South Ossetia. This led to more fighting and attempts by Georgia to control important places. The conflict kept getting bigger, and both sides suffered losses.

Battle of Tskhinvali

Main article: Battle of Tskhinvali

Georgian forces attacked South Ossetian positions near Tskhinvali on August 7th. The next day, Russian air forces began attacking targets in the area, and fighting continued with both sides trying to gain control.

Bombing and occupation of Gori

Main article: Occupation of Gori

Russian forces bombed the city of Gori on August 9th. This included attacks on both military and civilian areas. After Georgian troops left, Russian forces occupied Gori, causing damage and suffering for local people.

Abkhaz front

Main articles: Battle off the coast of Abkhazia and Battle of the Kodori Valley

Fighting also broke out in the Kodori Gorge area, with Abkhaz forces attacking Georgian positions. Russian ships also had naval confrontations with Georgian vessels off the coast of Abkhazia.

Occupation of Poti

Main article: Occupation of Poti

The port city of Poti was attacked by Russian aircraft, and Russian forces later moved into the area. This caused shutdowns of the seaport and damage to local infrastructure.

Bombing of Tbilisi and surroundings

Russian aircraft attacked areas around Tbilisi, including military bases and airports. These attacks continued even after a ceasefire was announced.

Media and cyber war

Main articles: Information war during the Russo-Georgian War and Cyberattacks during the Russo-Georgian War

Both Russia and Georgia used media to share their sides of the story. Hackers also targeted government and news websites in both countries, marking one of the first times cyberattacks happened alongside real military fighting.

Ceasefire agreement

On August 12, Russian President Medvedev said the operation in Georgia had ended. Later that day, he met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was leading the EU Council presidency. They agreed on a six-point plan to stop the fighting. Georgia wanted some parts of the plan to be optional, but Sarkozy helped them accept it.

The plan had important rules like stopping the use of force, ending hostilities, letting help reach people in need, and moving military forces back to their bases. Even after the agreement was signed, fighting did not stop right away. Some people said it seemed like there was no real ceasefire because people were still moving away from the fighting.

Aftermath

Russian withdrawal

On August 17, 2008, Russian President Medvedev said Russian troops would start leaving Georgia the next day. On August 19, both countries exchanged prisoners of war. Georgia swapped five Russian soldiers for fifteen Georgians, but Georgia thought Russia kept two more Georgians.

By August 22, Russian forces left the area called Igoeti, and Georgian police moved toward the city of Gori. Russia said its troops had fully withdrawn, but some Russian checkpoints stayed near Gori, and lookout stations remained near the city of Poti.

On September 8, French President Sarkozy and Medvedev signed an agreement for Russia to pull back from Georgia. Medvedev said the withdrawal depended on Georgia promising not to use force. Russian troops began leaving western Georgia on September 13 and finished leaving the areas near Poti, Senaki, and Khobi by October 8. Russian forces also pulled back from areas near Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Russia kept one station in a village called Perevi until December 12, 2008, when it left but returned eight hours later. Russian forces set up three stations there. Finally, on October 18, 2010, all Russian forces left Perevi, moving to South Ossetia, and Georgian soldiers entered the village.

On September 9, 2008, Russia said its forces in South Ossetia and Abkhazia would stay under agreements with local leaders. Russia’s foreign minister said this would help prevent Georgia from taking back control of these areas. Georgia calls Abkhazia and South Ossetia Russian-occupied territories.

Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Russia

Main article: International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

On August 25, 2008, Russia’s parliament voted to support recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries. The next day, President Medvedev announced Russia would recognize them, saying it was needed to protect lives.

Many countries, including the United States, France, and NATO, opposed Russia’s decision because they believed it violated Georgia’s borders and international agreements. As a result, Georgia ended its diplomatic ties with Russia.

Russian military presence

After the war, Russia increased its military forces in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Before the war, Russia had small peacekeeper groups in these areas, but after the war, it built larger military bases. Russia also built border guard stations to control the borders of these regions. Georgia still considers these areas to be occupied by Russia.

International monitors

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) has watched the borders of South Ossetia and Abkhazia since October 2008. The mission helps keep peace and talks between the sides, but it cannot enter South Ossetia or Abkhazia because local leaders do not allow it. The mission has workers from 26 European countries based in Georgia.

Geopolitical impact

The war showed that Russia was willing to use its military to achieve political goals. It was the first time since the Soviet Union broke apart that Russia used force against an independent country. The war also showed differences in opinions between Western European and Eastern European countries about how to deal with Russia.

The conflict affected Georgia’s plans to join international groups. Georgia left the Commonwealth of Independent States in August 2009 because it felt the group did not help prevent the war. The war also made it harder for Georgia to join NATO. Some leaders believe that if Russia had not acted in Georgia in 2008, the situation in international relations might be different today. The war in Georgia is sometimes seen as an early sign of later conflicts involving Russia.

Humanitarian impact and war crimes

Main articles: Humanitarian impact of the Russo-Georgian War and Humanitarian response to the Russo-Georgian War

During the conflict, many people were hurt because buildings where civilians lived and worked were used for fighting. Some areas were bombed, and many people had to leave their homes to stay safe.

Both sides were accused of breaking the rules of war. After the fighting stopped, many people still could not return to their homes, and some places were badly damaged. International groups looked into what happened and made decisions about who was responsible.

Reactions

International reactions

Main article: International reaction to the Russo-Georgian War

Many Western countries said Russia's actions in the war were wrong.

Ukraine worried that Russia might cause trouble for them next.
Sweden said Russia’s reasons for fighting were not good.
United Kingdom said Russia attacked places that were not part of the fighting.
United States said Russia’s invasion was wrong and sent help to Georgia.
Poland and others showed support for Georgia in a big rally.

France and Germany did not say who started the fighting, but asked for it to stop.

Some leaders, like Italy and Belarus, agreed with Russia.

The EU report

Main article: Responsibility for the Russo-Georgian War § EU Independent Fact Finding Mission Report

Later, the European Union looked into what caused the war. They said fighting began when Georgia attacked a town, but that tensions had been growing. The report did not say who was fully to blame.

Combatants

Georgian order of battle

Georgian troops had infantry brigades, an artillery brigade, and special forces. About 16,000 troops were involved, with 12,000 near the start of the conflict. Their main goal was to protect Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.

One important Georgian brigade was far away and could not join the fight. This meant Georgia did not plan to start the conflict.

Russo-South Ossetian-Abkhaz order of battle

A large part of the Russian 58th Army was included. This army had more forces and equipment than the Georgian Army.

Military analysis

Georgia

Georgia’s air defense was strong and helped shoot down some Russian aircraft. However, Georgia had problems with communication and did not have enough air power. Their planes did not fly much after the first few hours of fighting. There were also issues with planning and organizing troops.

Russia

Russia had problems with communication and using modern equipment. Some Russian aircraft did not have the right tools to find targets. There were also mistakes in identifying friend and foe, leading to some friendly fire incidents. Despite these issues, Russia managed to move quickly and effectively in some areas.

Equipment losses and cost

Georgia

Georgia lost some tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery after the ceasefire. Russia took many of Georgia’s weapons. The Georgian Navy also lost some boats.

Russia and South Ossetia

Russia lost a few aircraft and some ground vehicles. South Ossetian forces lost a couple of armored vehicles.

A detailed list of the destroyed and captured vehicles of both sides

Russia (78, of which destroyed: 74, damaged: 2, captured: 2)

Tanks (4, of which destroyed: 4)

1 T-55A: (1, destroyed [South Ossetian]).
1 T-62M: (1, destroyed).
1 T-72B: (1, destroyed).
1 T-72B Obr. 1989: (1, destroyed).

Armoured Fighting Vehicles (4, of which destroyed: 3, captured: 1)

2 BRDM-2: (1, destroyed) (1, captured [South Ossetian]).
2 BRDM-2M: (2, destroyed).

Infantry Fighting Vehicles (20, of which destroyed: 19, damaged: 1)

10 BMP-1: (10, destroyed).
4 BMP-1P: (4, destroyed).
5 BMP-2: (1, destroyed [South Ossetian]) (3, destroyed) (1, damaged).
1 BMD-2: (1, destroyed).

Armoured Personnel Carriers (5, of which destroyed: 3, damaged: 1, captured: 1)

1 BTR-70: (1, captured).
4 BTR-80: (3, destroyed) (1, damaged).

Armoured Recovery Vehicles (1, of which destroyed: 1)

1 BREM-Ch: (1, destroyed).

Artillery Support Vehicles (1, of which destroyed: 1)

1 1V13(M) battery fire control center: (1, destroyed).

Self-Propelled Artillery (1, of which destroyed: 1)

1 122mm 2S1 Gvozdika: (1, captured and destroyed [South Ossetian]).

Aircraft (8, of which destroyed: 8)

1 Su-25 close air support aircraft: (1, damaged beyond economical repair).
2 Su-25BM close air support aircraft: (2, destroyed).
2 Su-25SM close air support aircraft: (1, destroyed) (1, damaged beyond economical repair and scrapped).
2 Su-24M strike aircraft: (2, destroyed).
1 Tu-22M3 strategic bomber: (1, destroyed).

Helicopters (2, of which destroyed: 2)

1 Mi-8MT transport helicopter: (1, destroyed [accident]).
1 Mi-8MTKO transport helicopter: (1, destroyed [accident]).

Trucks, Vehicles and Jeeps (32, of which destroyed: 32)

11 GAZ-66: (9, destroyed) (2, destroyed [South Ossetian]).
3 ZiL-131: (3, destroyed).
1 KrAZ-225B: (1, destroyed).
1 Ural-375D: (1, destroyed).
11 Ural-4320: (11, destroyed).
9 KamAZ 6x6: (9, destroyed).
1 UAZ-452: (1, destroyed).
2 UAZ-469: (1, destroyed) (1, destroyed [South Ossetian]).
2 Unknown truck: (2, destroyed).

Georgia (186, of which destroyed: 89, damaged: 1, captured: 96)

Tanks (44, of which destroyed: 27, captured: 17)

14 T-72AV: (6, destroyed) (7, captured) (1, damaged and captured).
29 T-72B: (4, destroyed) (17, captured and destroyed) (8, captured)
1 T-72 SIM-1: (1, captured).

Armoured Fighting Vehicles (2, of which destroyed: 1, captured: 1)

2 MT-LB: (1, destroyed) (1, captured)

Infantry Fighting Vehicles (25, of which destroyed: 6, captured: 19)

2 BMP-1: (2, destroyed)
14 BMP-1U 'Shkval': (14, captured).
9 BMP-2: (2, destroyed) (2, captured and destroyed) (5, captured).

Armoured Personnel Carriers (3, of which destroyed: 2, captured: 1)

3 BTR-80: (2, destroyed) (1, captured).

Infantry Mobility Vehicles (3, of which captured: 3)

1 HMMWV: (1, captured).
2 Otokar Cobra: (1, captured) (1, damaged and captured).

Command Posts (1, of which captured: 1)

1 9S470M command post (for Buk-M1): (1, captured).

Engineering Vehicles And Equipment (5, of which destroyed: 1, captured: 4)

1 BTS-2 armoured recovery vehicle: (1, captured).
1 MTU-55 armoured vehicle-launched bridge: (1, captured).
1 BAT-2 heavy engineering vehicle: (1, destroyed).
2 Mini MineWolf remote controlled mine clearance systems: (2, captured).

Towed Artillery (25, of which destroyed: 1, captured: 24)

1 76mm ZiS-3 divisional gun: (1).
4 85mm D-44 divisional gun: (4, captured).
2 100mm MT-12 Rapira anti-tank gun: (2, captured).
17 122mm D-30 howitzer: (17, captured).
1 152mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer: (1, destroyed).

Self-Propelled Artillery (9, of which destroyed: 6, captured: 3)

4 152mm ShKH vz. 77 DANA: (2, destroyed) (2, captured).
5 203mm 2S7 Pion: (4, destroyed) (1, captured).

Anti-Aircraft Guns (2, of which captured: 2)

1 23mm ZU-23: (1, captured).
1 57mm AZP S-60: (1, captured).

Surface-To-Air Missile Systems (6, of which captured: 6)

2 9K33 Osa-AK: (2, captured).
2 9A310M1 TELAR (for Buk-M1): (2, captured).
2 9A39M1 TEL (for Buk-M1): (2, captured).

Radars (2, of which destroyed: 2)

1 P-18 "Spoon Rest ": (1, destroyed).
1 ST86U/36D6-M "Tin Shield": (1, destroyed).

Aircraft (3, of which destroyed: 3).

3 An-2 utility aircraft: (3, destroyed).

Helicopters (3, of which destroyed: 3)

1 Mi-14BT transport helicopter: (1, destroyed).
1 Mi-24V attack helicopter: (1, destroyed).
1 Mi-24P attack helicopter: (1, destroyed).

Naval Ships (9, of which destroyed: 7, captured: 2)

1 La Combattante II-class fast attack craft Dioskuria '303': (1, scuttled).
1 Matka-class missile boat Tbilisi '302': (1, scuttled).
1 Lindau-class minesweeper Aeti: (1, scuttled but subsequently refloated and returned to service as a training platform.).
1 Stenka class patrol boat P-21 Giorgi Toreli: (1, destroyed).
3 Zhuk class patrol boat (Operated by the Coast Guard): (1, P 204, destroyed) (2, P 203 scuttled and subsequently refloated but not returned to service) (3, P 205, destroyed).
1 Project 1387 class patrol boat Tskaltubo '101': (1, scuttled).
2 RHIB: (2, captured).

Trucks, Vehicles and Jeeps (44, of which destroyed: 17, damaged: 1, captured: 26)

7 MAZ-537: (1, destroyed) (6, captured).
1 KrAZ-255B: (1, captured).
13 KrAZ-6322: (10, destroyed) (3, captured).
1 Ural-43206: (1, captured).
1 KamAZ 6x6: (1, captured).
1 MAN KAT1 4x4: (1, captured).
7 Land Rover Defender: (3, destroyed) (1, damaged) (1, damaged and captured) (2, captured).
6 M35A2: (6, captured).
4 M35A3: (3, destroyed) (1, captured).
4 M99A1 HMMWV: (4, captured).

Russo-Georgian War