Russo-Georgian War

The Russo-Georgian War, which happened in August 2008, was a conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation. It began when Georgia tried to take back control of a region called South Ossetia, where people wanted to separate from Georgia and join Russia. Russia sent its army into Georgia, and the fighting spread to another region, Abkhazia.

This war was important because it was the first war in Europe in the 21st century. It showed how tensions could grow between countries, especially when one country feels another is threatening its interests. Many people were forced to leave their homes, and the war caused a lot of sadness and destruction 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 and made Georgia want to become closer friends with other countries like the European Union and NATO.

Background

Main article: Background of the Russo-Georgian War

See also: Georgian–Ossetian conflict and Georgia–Russia relations

History

In the past, Georgia was a country where many people lived together. Over time, different groups began to argue 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

Russia had many reasons to support South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The area between the Black Sea and the Middle East was very 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

See also: Second Cold War

Georgia wanted to join NATO, which made Russia very unhappy. Georgia also had an important oil pipeline that did not go through Russia, which Russia did not like. During a meeting of NATO countries, Russia made it clear that if Georgia joined NATO, Russia would see it as a big threat. This led to Russia preparing for a bigger conflict with Georgia.

Prelude

Main article: 2008 Russo-Georgian diplomatic crisis

In April 2008, Russia made an agreement with two regions that wanted to break away from Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This made tensions rise between Russia and Georgia.

Later, there were many arguments and small fights between the two sides. Drones were shot down, and both sides accused each other of preparing for war. In July, military exercises happened on both sides, and Russian troops stayed near Georgia's border after their training ended. These events set the stage for the conflict that followed.

Hostilities

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

Fighting began in early August when an explosion damaged a Georgian police vehicle near Tskhinvali, injuring officers. This led to exchanges of fire between Georgian and South Ossetian forces. Over the next few days, the situation worsened with more attacks and injuries on both sides.

On August 7th, Georgian forces moved towards Tskhinvali after South Ossetian attacks. The following day, Russian forces entered the area, supporting South Ossetia. This led to more fighting and attempts by Georgia to control key positions. The conflict continued to escalate with both sides suffering losses.

Battle of Tskhinvali

Main article: Battle of Tskhinvali

Georgian forces bombarded South Ossetian positions near Tskhinvali on August 7th, followed by ground troops moving into the town the next day. Russian air forces began attacking targets in the region, 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, which is important for Georgia, 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 engaged in 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 announced the end of the operation in Georgia. Later that day, he met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who held the rotating EU Council presidency, and they agreed on a six-point proposal to stop the fighting. Georgia wanted some parts of the proposal to be optional, but Sarkozy helped them accept the agreement.

The plan included important rules like stopping the use of force, ending hostilities, allowing help for 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

See also: Occupied territories of Georgia and Geneva International Discussions

Russian withdrawal

On August 17, 2008, Russian President Medvedev announced that 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 believed 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 claimed 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 announced that 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

See also: Ethnic cleansing of Georgians in South Ossetia

During the conflict, all sides broke important rules about how wars should be fought, and many ordinary people were hurt. Groups on both sides used buildings where civilians lived and worked as places to fight from, which put those people in danger. Some areas were bombed, and many people had to leave their homes because it was too dangerous.

Both sides were accused of doing things that broke the rules of war. After the fighting stopped, many people were still unable to return to their homes, and some places were badly damaged. International groups looked into what happened and made decisions about who was responsible for breaking the rules.

Reactions

International reactions

Main article: International reaction to the Russo-Georgian War

See also: Protests regarding the Russo-Georgian War

Many Western countries strongly criticized Russia's actions during the war.

• Ukraine expressed concern about the conflict and later worried that Russia might target them next.
• Sweden said that Russia’s reasons for fighting were wrong and compared it to past harmful actions in Europe.
• United Kingdom criticized Russia for attacking places far beyond the fighting area.
• United States called Russia’s invasion unacceptable and sent help to Georgia, but chose not to fight back to avoid a bigger war.
• Poland and several other leaders showed support for Georgia in a big rally.

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

A few leaders, like Italy and Belarus, supported Russia’s position.

The EU report

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

Later, the European Union studied what caused the war. They said that fighting began when Georgia attacked a town called Tskhinvali, but also that there had been growing tensions for a long time. The report did not say who was fully to blame. Some people thought the report was too easy on Russia.

NATO reaction in the Black Sea

NATO sent more ships to the Black Sea after the invasion, saying they were for usual visits and training with nearby countries. Russia disagreed, saying the ships might be carrying military goods. NATO said their presence was not because of the crisis in Georgia.

Combatants

See also: Georgian Armed Forces, Russian Armed Forces, Armed Forces of South Ossetia, and Abkhazian Armed Forces

Georgian order of battle

Georgian troops included several infantry brigades, an artillery brigade, and special forces. The total number of troops was around 16,000, with about 12,000 concentrated by the start of the conflict. The main task was to secure Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.

One important Georgian brigade was serving 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 one of its strongest points, helping to shoot down some Russian aircraft. However, Georgia had problems with communication and lacked 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).