The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement on Saturday, Aug. 8, marking the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, warning Moscow against any attempts to fully annex the occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia.
The governments of the four nations expressed deep concern over recent developments in the breakaway territory, pointing to an agreement on deepening alliance and cooperation signed between Moscow and the de-facto authorities in Tskhinvali on May 9, 2026.
The allies also highlighted the recent appointment of a Russian citizen as the region’s leader.
The joint statement emphasized that these administrative and political steps create a clear risk of South Ossetia’s full-scale annexation by Russia.
Representatives in London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome warned that such a development would not remain unanswered by the international community.
The four countries reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s continued military presence and the increasing militarization of both occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, characterizing the actions as a direct violation of international law and Russia’s obligations under the August 2008 ceasefire agreement.
Calls to honor human rights rulings
The allied statement referenced a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) from October 2025, which held Russia responsible for a series of systemic violations in the occupied Georgian territories. These violations included the excessive use of force, ill-treatment, unlawful detentions, and severe restrictions on freedom of movement.
The Western nations called on Moscow to fully comply with the ECHR ruling and adhere to the commitments made in August and September 2008.
Additionally, the four governments welcomed the recent decision by the Republic of Nauru to officially revoke its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They urged other states that maintain diplomatic relations with the breakaway entities to follow suit.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the allies’ continued support for the Geneva International Discussions and the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia.
Economic shifts in Georgia
The diplomatic warning coincides with ongoing efforts within Georgia to reduce economic reliance on Russia.
Earlier this week, Black Sea Petroleum LLC (BSP), the owner of the Kulevi Oil Refinery Georgia’s first and only domestic crude processing facility – confirmed it is implementing a phased transition away from Russian crude oil.
The transition follows the EU’s decision in July to include the Kulevi refinery in its 21st sanctions package, granting the facility a six-month transition period until January 25, 2027, to completely phase out Russian feedstock.
BSP has already begun processing Kazakh-origin crude and is scheduled to receive a shipment of Libyan crude later in August.