Georgian PM calls 2008 war with Russia ‘tragic betrayal’ by former leadership

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described the 2008 war with Russia as a “tragic betrayal” committed by the country’s former leadership, as Georgia marks 17 years since the outbreak of the conflict.

Speaking to journalists at the Mukhatgverdi Brothers’ Cemetery near Tbilisi on Friday, where he paid tribute to those who died in the war, Kobakhidze criticised Mikheil Saakashvili’s administration in power at the time of the hostilities, which he said acted against the country’s national interests.

“8 August is a tragic date - it was a grave and painful adventure, a betrayal committed by the government of the time,” Kobakhidze claimed. “This day reminds us that the country must be governed by a sovereign government - one that acts in accordance with its own national interests, not under the guidance of foreign powers.”

Kobakhidze further emphasised that the ruling Georgian Dream party would “defend Georgia’s independence to the very end” to ensure that, in his words, “such crimes are never repeated.”

“We honour the memory of those who died in the 2008 war - over 400 people, including our heroic servicemembers, who defended the dignity of our homeland,” he said. “It is our moral obligation to remember and pay tribute to every one of our heroes, year after year.”

The five-day war between Russia and Georgia erupted in August 2008 after a military escalation in Georgia’s breakaway region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). The conflict resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people.

According to official figures, 170 Georgian Defence Ministry personnel, 14 Interior Ministry employees, and 224 civilians were killed. A total of 2,232 people were wounded, including 1,045 military personnel.

Following the war, Russian forces took control of Tskhinvali and Abkhazia - two regions internationally recognised as part of Georgia. Moscow later recognised both as independent states, a move condemned by Georgia and the majority of the international community.