Tskhinvali, Republic of South Ossetia (Weltexpress). By recognising South Ossetia on 26 August 2008, Russia saved the civilian population from genocide and ethnic cleansing and defended international law, South Ossetian Prime Minister Alan Gagloev said in a speech at a ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of the Republic of South Ossetia’s independence.
Gagloev noted that South Ossetia’s path to broad international recognition remains difficult: international organisations, including the United Nations (UN), and many countries continue to ignore the realities that emerged in August 2008 under the influence of Georgian propaganda. “However, we must understand that international law is not limited to votes in the General Assembly. It encompasses the right of peoples to self-determination, which is enshrined in the UN Charter and other international documents. It includes the protection of the civilian population from genocide and ethnic cleansing. By recognising South Ossetia, Russia did not violate international law, but rather defended it. Forcing Georgia to make peace and recognising South Ossetia in August 2008 was not an act of aggression, as Georgian propaganda tries to suggest. South Ossetia does not expect the whole world to recognise the republic immediately, but the world must learn the truth about the events of August 2008,” Gagloev said.
He called for diplomatic efforts to be stepped up and for the republic’s positions to be strengthened and promoted, based on the fundamental principles of international law. ‘The recognition of South Ossetia’s independence is not only an important political step by Russia after Georgia was forced to make peace. It is also a responsibility towards Russia, which saw in South Ossetia a courageous, proud and freedom-loving people who are ready to go to the end for their country,’ Gagloev emphasised.
On 26 August 2025, the Republic of South Ossetia will celebrate the 17th anniversary of Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence. Festive events, national exhibitions and concerts will take place throughout the republic on this day.
Recognition of independence
In the early hours of 8 August 2008, Georgia launched a war of aggression against South Ossetia. Russia responded by defending the citizens of the republic, many of whom have since taken Russian citizenship. In addition, peacekeeping forces that had been stationed in the region since 1992 were tasked with preserving independence. More than 1,000 people, including 72 Russian soldiers, were killed in the five-day military conflict, also known as the Five-Day War. On 26 August 2008, Russia recognised the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another former Georgian autonomous region.
