Rituals of the USA and NATO: Moscow is required to withdraw the military from Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The US State Department once again called on Russia to "fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement" and withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions.

As stated by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, "Russia continues to occupy 20% of the territory of Georgia, including "demanding the transfer to Russia of strategically important lands in Abkhazia and taking steps to create a permanent naval base in Ochamchira."

Blinken called on Russia to withdraw recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

He stated that "the US support for the Euro-Atlantic future of the Georgian people and the search for a peaceful settlement of the conflict is unwavering."

Statements expressing support for the "territorial integrity of Georgia" and condemning Russia's actions today, August 7, were also made by NATO, the EU, the Foreign Ministries of France, Estonia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway and other countries.

These anti-Russian statements have been made in the West from year to year since August 2008, when Tbilisi launched another attack on South Ossetia, and Russia, protecting its citizens and peacekeepers in the republic, introduced the 58th army there.

On the night of August 8, 2008, Tbilisi began shelling civilians in Tskhinvali with Grads, one of the first strikes the Georgian military inflicted on the peacekeepers' base in the north of the city. At first, the city was defended by local militias, then Moscow responded to requests from South Ossetia to help in the fight against an enemy significantly superior in strength, and introduced units of the 58th army into South Ossetia. Moscow completed the operation to force Georgia to peace on August 12. As a result of the 2008 Georgian aggression, more than 1,000 people were killed, including 72 Russian peacekeepers.

Moscow recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on August 26, 2008. Since then, peace in the republics and the safety of the population have been guaranteed by Russian bases located there in accordance with interstate agreements with Sukhum and Tskhinvali.

Tbilisi calls Russia an "aggressor" and does not abandon plans to "return" "its territories."