Russian-controlled Tskhinvali media claims Tbilisi ‘admitted responsibility’ for 2008 war

A news agency in Georgia’s Russian-controlled breakaway Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region has claimed that Tbilisi had “officially recognised” responsibility for starting the August 2008 war.

The outlet, RES, this week reported that a 460-page report presented in the Georgian parliament by Vice Speaker and former Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani, chair of a commission investigating alleged crimes committed during the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili, left “no doubt” that Georgia’s then-leadership initiated hostilities.

RES claimed the report had accused Saakashvili’s government of launching an “aggressive war against the peaceful population of Tskhinvali” and said Georgian forces expected support from external powers. The agency also highlighted Tsulukiani’s legal background and ministerial career.

The media further claimed the commission underlined the overnight shelling of Tskhinvali on 8 August 2008 as the trigger for full-scale fighting, presenting it as confirmation of Moscow’s long-standing position.

Russia and the de facto authorities in Tskhinvali insist Georgia was the aggressor, while Tbilisi argues Moscow staged and executed a pre-planned invasion in violation of Georgia’s sovereignty. Western governments and international bodies continue to recognise Tskhinvali and Abkhazia as integral parts of Georgia.