Germany urges Moscow to fulfil ceasefire commitments on 17th anniversary of Russia-Georgia war

Germany has called on Russia to fully comply with its obligations under the ceasefire agreements signed following the 2008 war with Georgia, as the country marks 17 years since the start of the conflict.

In a statement released by the German Embassy in Tbilisi on Thursday,  Berlin reiterated its “firm support for Georgia’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.”

“The armed conflict between Russia and Georgia began on 7 August 2008. Today, we remember those who lost their lives to violence and war, and we stand with those who were displaced as a result,” the embassy said.

Germany condemned Russia’s “unilateral recognition” of Georgia’s breakaway regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), calling it “unacceptable,” and urged Moscow to fully implement the provisions of the 12 August and 8 September 2008 agreements.

The five-day war in August 2008 left more than 400 people dead, including 170 soldiers, 19 police officers, and 244 civilians. Over 2,200 people were injured and some 26,000 were displaced.

Russian forces remain stationed in both regions, in what most of the international community considers an ongoing occupation.