Four European Countries Issue Statement on 18th Anniversary of Russia's Attack on Georgia

Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy released a joint statement marking another anniversary of Russia's attack on Georgia in 2008 and condemned the ongoing occupation of part of its territory, according to Європейська правда.

The four capitals recalled that 18 years ago these days, Russia used military force against Georgia and occupied new territories.

"18 years after the Russian aggression, we reaffirm our full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We welcome the decision of the Republic of Naoero (formerly Nauru. – Ed.) to withdraw recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We call on countries that have established diplomatic relations with these entities to follow this example", the statement reads.

"We once again condemn the continued military presence of the Russian Federation in the occupied regions… Russia's ongoing militarization of Georgia’s occupied territories poses a serious threat to Georgia's security, as well as to regional and European stability", the representatives note.

They recalled the October 2025 ECtHR ruling, which found Russia responsible for a series of gross human rights violations in the occupied regions.

"We call on Russia to comply with the ECtHR judgment on this situation and to fully implement the commitments it undertook on 12 August and 8 September 2025", the capitals urge.

Concern was also expressed about recent developments in the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia), in particular in connection with the signing in May 2026 of the so-called agreement on deepening alliance and cooperation between Moscow and the de facto authorities of these regions.

"This document, as well as the appointment of a Russian citizen as head of the region, raises concerns about a possible preparation for full annexation of the region – which will not go unanswered", the statement emphasizes.

The four capitals also reiterated their support for the so-called "Geneva Discussions" – a platform co-chaired by the EU, OSCE and the UN.

"This is the only 'framework' that will allow the parties to advance towards conflict resolution. We endorse the work of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and will continue to support it", they add in conclusion.

Recall that Russia refused to pay Georgia €253 million in compensation awarded by the ECtHR.