UK Ambassador marks 17th anniversary of Russia-Georgia war

On the 17th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, the British Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, paid tribute to the victims of the conflict and reiterated the UK’s “unwavering support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We remember those who lost their lives in the war and all those who were forcibly displaced from their homes due to Russia’s aggression,” the Ambassador said on Thursday.

Ward called on Russia to “fully respect” the ceasefire agreement brokered in August 2008 following five days of fighting between Georgian and Russian forces, which centred on the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) and later extended to Abkhazia.

“This August marks one year since I began my posting as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia. During this time, I visited the village of Ergneti, near the administrative boundary line with South Ossetia, and the Enguri Bridge leading to Abkhazia. I spoke with people directly affected by the conflict-women living near the boundary line, young people from the Gali district, and others whose lives remain shaped by displacement and division,” he said.

Ambassador Ward also highlighted the UK’s “decades-long commitment” to conflict resolution and de-escalation in Georgia, noting that the UK “seeks to support a unified and successful Georgia that is free to choose its security partnerships.”

The diplomat further expressed concern over recent criticisms by Georgian authorities of European efforts to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and across the continent.

“The United Kingdom stands ready to work with Georgia to strengthen our shared Euro-Atlantic security. That is what the Georgian people deserve,” he concluded.