The troops from the Russian military base in occupied Tskhinvali, including residents of the occupied region, were sent to take part in the ongoing war in Ukraine, reports media based on press service of the "president", Anatoly Bibilov.

"These are the soldiers of the fourth base of the Russian Federation located in the republic of South Ossetia, including the residents of South Ossetia who are on contract service," Bibilov was quoted as saying.

According to them, the military met with Anatoly Bibilov before leaving.

Bibilov posted a video on the Telegram channel, which shows a convoy of trucks and buses with "the flags of South Ossetia."

"They know very well that they are going to defend Russia, they are going to defend Ossetia," Bibilov said.