European countries warn Russia over South Ossetia
Britain, Germany, France and Italy have said Russia's military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia violates international law and expressed concern that Moscow could fully annex South Ossetia. The joint statement was issued on the 18th anniversary of the start of the Russia-Georgia war.
European countries have warned Russia over South Ossetia.
A joint statement published on the UK government website said that Russia's continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia is contrary to international law and its obligations under the six-point peace agreement signed on August 12, 2008.
The authors of the document noted that Russia's militarization of these regions of Georgia poses a serious threat to the country's security, as well as regional and European stability.
The statement said that Russia had further violated Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity by signing an "agreement on deepening alliance and integration" with the de facto leadership of South Ossetia on May 9, 2026.
It was also noted that the appointment of a Russian citizen as the head of South Ossetia had increased concerns that the region could be completely annexed. The authors of the statement said that such actions would not go unanswered.
Britain, Germany, France and Italy reaffirmed their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
At the same time, they called on countries that have established diplomatic relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia to follow the example of the Republic of Nauru and reconsider their decision to recognize the "independence" of these territories. The statement noted that Nauru had timely revoked this decision.