17 years have passed since the invasion of Russian troops to Georgia. On the night of August 7, 2008 Russian regular military units exceeded the international recognized border of Georgia. Although the Kremlin still promotes the narrative that the war began on August 8, many independent investigations, including the ruling of the International Criminal Court in Hague, confirms that Russia initiated war – and committed war crimes on Georgian land.
As a result of the conflict in Georgia 228 civilians, 170 soldiers and 14 policemen were killed. Ok 150 thousand people were resettled. Many of them remains refugees to this day.
Despite the agreement on the suspension of weapons signed on August 12, 2008 – which required from both sides to return to the position before the war – Russia is still violating them. Maintains military control over Georgian regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Continued article under video material
Since 2008, Russia has been constantly increasing its control over Georgian territory through a process known locally as a “creeping occupation”. This includes the installation of spiky wire fences and deep marks in areas administered by Georgia, often from day to day. The inhabitants of the village living along the occupation line are arbitrarily detainedseparated from family members and have limited access to arable land and basic services.
The psychological effects of life under the constant threat of changes in borders and arrests have created The climate of fear and uncertainty in the affected regions.
A show of unity in a village divided by the war
On the 17th anniversary of the outbreak of war, Citizens of Georgia gathered in Churwaleti, a village literally divided by the occupation line. The protesters formed a human chain and laid a wreath near the Russian border, Journal that they would never forget about the war from years ago.
One of the banners simply wrote: “Never again”.
Protesters accuse the Government of the Georgian party, dream of following the “pro -Russian” path and An attempt to erase the memory of soldiers who died in 2008. – They want us to forget about our heroes – says one of the participants of the action – but we will not do it.
Georgia still remembers. The world must also
As the world's attention is moved from one crisis to another, the legacy of the war of 2008 may go into oblivion. But For those who lost their homes, limbs and loved ones, war is not a story. This is a daily reality.
Georgian armored cart on Gori Street, August 8, 2008PAP/EPA/ZuRAB KURTSIKIDZE/PAP
Every year on August 7, Georgians organize celebrations commemorating those who died in defense of the country. This day also serves as a gloomy reminder of human geopolitical costs. Displaced families are still waiting for the right to return home. Soldiers who served in 2008 share stories about trauma and survival, and the new generation grows up in the reality of life in a divided country
On this anniversary, Georgia not only mourns the past. He also warns against the future. Activists and opposition leaders say that the Georgian dream does not protect Georgian sovereignty and silences those who resist. Journalists are intimidated. Civil society groups report on growing surveillance. Some are afraid that under the guise of neutrality, Georgia continues to dry into the orbit of Russia.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
