UK-France-Germany-Italy Joint Warning: Russia May Be Preparing to Officially Annex South Ossetia
On August 7, the UK government website released a joint statement from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, stating that Russia is likely preparing to formally annex South Ossetia. South Ossetia is part of Georgia’s territory, currently occupied by separatist forces backed by the Russian military.
The four countries recalled Russia’s military offensive against Georgia on August 7, 2008. The document states that Russia’s aggression has undermined Georgia’s territorial integrity, leading to the occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
"It has been 18 years since Russia’s aggression began. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders."
The document emphasizes that Russian troops remain stationed on occupied Georgian territory—violating international law and breaching Russia’s own commitment made in the ceasefire agreement signed on August 12, 2008. The four nations assess that Russia’s ongoing militarization of these areas not only poses a serious threat to Georgia but also endangers regional and European security and stability.
The statement refers to the "Treaty on Deepened Alliance and Cooperation" signed between Russia and the South Ossetian regime on May 9, 2026. Recently, Russia has also appointed one of its own citizens as the region’s nominal leader.
"This treaty, coupled with the appointment of a Russian national to lead the area, has raised widespread concerns that the region may be fully annexed. If Russia proceeds with annexation, it will face consequences."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872915686170631/
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