US reaffirms support for Georgia on 18th anniversary of Russia-Georgia war

The United States has reaffirmed its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity on the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, expressing concern over Russia's continued occupation of Georgian territory.

In a statement on Friday, the US Embassy in Georgia said Washington remains "deeply concerned" by Russia's ongoing occupation and condemned killings, abductions and other acts of violence committed under the occupation.

"Today marks 18 years since Russia's military aggression against Georgia," the embassy said. "The United States remains deeply concerned by Russia's continued occupation of Georgian territory and condemns the killings, kidnappings and other acts of violence that have occurred under the ongoing occupation."

The embassy expressed solidarity with the Georgian people and reiterated the United States' commitment to Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while stressing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Friday marks 18 years since the outbreak of the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia.

According to official Georgian figures, the five-day conflict claimed the lives of more than 400 people, including 170 military personnel, 19 Interior Ministry officers and 244 civilians. A further 2,234 people were injured, while around 26,000 people were displaced by the fighting.