Did Georgia Violate international law in August 2008 conflict with Russia - Research Paper Example

As Georgia sought to gain its independence, South Ossetia wanted to gain its independence from Georgia as well (BBC News, “Europe). Separatist movements disturbed the peace too often in the region and consequently, Soviet troops were sent into South Ossetia as peacekeeping forces (BBC News, “Europe”). Armed and violent conflicts went on until 1992 when Georgia, South Ossetia and Russia agreed that peacekeeping forces (from their countries) should be deployed to the region. South Ossetia was subsequently restored as a territory of Georgia.

However, things did not improve for South Ossetia. In 2006, the territory voted overwhelmingly in favour of independence from Georgia (BBC News “Europe”). This move was supported and favoured by Russia. This further increased the tension between Russia and Georgia. This brewing tension in the region finally came to a head when, in early August of 2008, Georgian troops clashed with separatist forces in South Ossetia. This clash escalated into an aerial bombardment and ground attack by Georgia against South Ossetia on the 7th of August.

Following said attack, Georgia took control of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia (Jotman, “Georgia-Conflict with Russia”). As claimed by the Russians, many of their citizens in South Ossetia were endangered. This prompted their attack on Georgia and their deployment of troops into South Ossetia. After several days, Russia was able to drive away Georgian troops and take control of Tskhinvali (Jotman, “Georgia-Conflict with Russia”). Russia also drove away Georgian forces in Abkhazia and later occupied other parts of Georgia (BBC News “Europe”).

After a ceasefire agreement which was mediated by French President Sarkozy, Russia pulled out its forces towards South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It still however maintained its control on Ossetia’s borders. This