The start of the Russo-Georgian War over the territory of South Ossetia

The Russo-Georgian War was an armed conflict between Georgia, Russia, and the Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The war took place in August 2008 following a period of worsening relations between Russia and Georgia, both formerly constituent republics of the Soviet Union. The fighting took place in the strategically important Transcaucasia region, which borders the Middle East. It was regarded as the first European war of the 21st century.

Russian troops and armor crossed Georgia's internationally recognized borders and launched a war. As a result, 224 civilians and 169 soldiers were killed, thousands were injured, and tens of thousands were displaced from the Tskhinvali region.

The Republic of Georgia declared its independence as the Soviet Union weakened in early 1991.

A 1991–1992 war between Georgia and separatists left parts of the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast under de facto Russian-backed and internationally unrecognised separatist control.

Result:

Russian, South Ossetian, and Abkhaz military victory

• Expulsion of ethnic Georgians from South Ossetia and the Kodori Gorge
• Recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia
• Russian military bases established in Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Territorial changes:

Georgia loses control of parts of Abkhazia and former South Ossetian AO