Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia paved way for war against Ukraine, Kyiv

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia paved the way for Moscow's subsequent aggression against Ukraine, reaffirming Kyiv's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement marking the 18th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war, Sybiha said Russian forces had "brutally invaded" sovereign Georgia in 2008, violating international law as part of what he described as Moscow's imperial policy of subjugating other nations.

He further stressed Russia's occupation of parts of Georgia and the subsequent "creeping annexation" of its territories directly enabled Russia's later military aggression against Ukraine.

"Ukraine firmly supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," Sybiha said.

"We will never accept Russia's illegal occupation of the territories of Georgia and Ukraine, nor the 'Russian world', which brings only destruction, poverty and human rights violations wherever it appears."

Sybiha also called on the international community to increase pressure on Moscow by ensuring the strict enforcement of sanctions and holding Russia fully accountable for what he described as its crimes.

He said lasting peace in Europe required the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the full restoration of international law.

The statement was issued as Georgia marks the 18th anniversary of the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, during which Russian forces entered Georgian territory following the outbreak of hostilities. Russia continues to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia), according to the Georgian government and the majority of the international community.