On August 7, 2008, fighting broke out between Russia and Georgia. Today, 17 years later, the German Embassy remembered the victims of the war and those displaced from their homes.

In a Facebook post, the Embassy stated:
“We remember those who suffered and died in the conflict. Our thoughts are also with those forced to flee their homes due to war.”

Germany reaffirmed its strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The statement criticized Russia’s recognition of the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it “unacceptable,” and urged Russia to honor its commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreements signed on August 12 and September 8.

The 2008 war began when separatist forces started heavy shelling of Georgian villages, prompting a military response from Georgia. On August 8, Russian troops entered the region. The conflict claimed 411 lives, displaced around 130,000 people, and caused widespread destruction, including in the city of Gori.

To this day, Russia continues to occupy 20% of Georgia’s territory.