A discussion regarding the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war took place during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia reports.

Lasha Darsalia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, addressed the meeting.

The Deputy Minister spoke about the large-scale aggression launched by Russia against Georgia in 2008. He noted that, 18 years later, Russia continues to occupy Georgian territories and maintain an illegal military presence there. He highlighted Russia's disregard for international obligations—including the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement reached on August 12, 2008—and its refusal to withdraw forces from Georgian territories, revoke the recognition of the so-called independence of the occupied regions, or ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees. The Deputy Minister highlighted the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories, citing instances of illegal detentions, killings, discrimination, restrictions on freedom of movement, and other violations. It was noted that Russia continues to block access for international mechanisms to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Lasha Darsalia addressed security challenges linked to Russia’s illegal military presence in land, air, and maritime domains, as well as the integration of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region into Russia’s political, military, and legal systems. In this context, reference was made to the "Agreement on Deepening Alliance Cooperation"—signed on May 9, 2026, between Russia and the Tskhinvali occupation regime—which institutionalizes Moscow's administrative control and facilitates the de facto annexation of the region.

The Deputy Minister affirmed Georgia’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and emphasized steps taken toward reconciliation and confidence-building, aimed at [reuniting] the artificially divided... "...fostering dialogue and relations between societies," the statement reads.

Furthermore, according to the Foreign Ministry, Lasha Darsalia highlighted the Geneva International Discussions as the sole format between Georgia and Russia where—with the involvement of international actors—issues regarding the implementation of the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, and the return of internally displaced persons and refugees are addressed.

In conclusion, the importance of partner support for upholding the fundamental principles of the international order was once again emphasized.

Representatives of the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Turkey made statements in support of Georgia during the meeting.