Georgians march toward occupation line to mark 2008 war anniversary

Citizens in Georgia are marching from the capital, Tbilisi, toward the occupation line near Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) to mark the 17th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

The commemorative march began at First Republic Square in central Tbilisi and is set to conclude in the village of Nikozi, located close to the occupation line. Participants plan to form a symbolic “live chain” near the boundary to honour the victims of the conflict and protest the continued Russian military presence.

The five-day war, which broke out on 7 August 2008, resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, including 170 Georgian soldiers, 19 Interior Ministry personnel, and 244 civilians. More than 2,200 people were wounded and around 26,000 displaced from their homes.

Following the conflict, Russia recognised the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as independent states - a move condemned by Tbilisi and rejected by the vast majority of the international community, which regards the regions as integral parts of Georgia.