UN Security Council members urge Russia to withdraw troops from Georgia and fulfill 2008 ceasefire commitments

The United Nations Security Council held a closed meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories and the Russia-Georgia conflict on the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

During the session, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, briefed Council members on the situation on the ground and provided an update on the Geneva International Discussions process.

Following the meeting, representatives of Security Council member states the United Kingdom, France, Latvia, Denmark and Greece, together with incoming Council members Austria and Portugal, delivered a joint statement to the media.

In a statement, the countries noted that 18 years have passed since Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Georgia and the subsequent illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. They stated that Russia’s invasion of Georgia in August 2008 marked the beginning of a more aggressive policy toward its neighbors and said that Moscow continues along the same path through its unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine and other irresponsible and dangerous actions directed at neighboring countries.

The statement reaffirmed strong support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The countries condemned Russia’s military invasion of Georgia, its continued illegal military presence, the exercise of effective control over the occupied territories, and steps toward the annexation of the two regions. Particular concern was expressed over the so-called agreement on the “deepening of allied cooperation” signed on May 9, 2026, between Russia and the Tskhinvali occupation regime.

The countries also welcomed the Republic of Nauru’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the so-called “Republic of Abkhazia” and “Republic of South Ossetia” as independent states. They called on other countries that have recognized the occupied regions to follow Nauru’s example and respect Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Representatives further condemned what they described as Russia’s ongoing provocations, militarization efforts, illegal air, maritime and railway operations in the occupied territories, as well as continuing violations of security and human rights on the ground.

The statement recalled decisions by international courts that have repeatedly confirmed the Russian Federation’s responsibility, as the power exercising effective control over the territories, for serious human rights violations, including killings of civilians, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment.

The countries expressed deep concern that Russia has failed to fulfill its obligations under the European Union-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, including withdrawing its forces to pre-conflict positions and allowing unhindered access for international human rights monitoring mechanisms, such as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The joint statement also underscored the importance of protecting the rights of internally displaced persons and refugees and creating conditions for their safe, dignified and unhindered return to their homes.

According to the statement, the countries remain committed to the Geneva International Discussions and support the continuation of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings in Ergneti, while calling for the immediate resumption of the Gali IPRM meetings.

The participating countries once again urged Russia to fully implement its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement and immediately withdraw its troops from Georgian territory. They also called on Russia to reverse its recognition of the two occupied regions, refrain from obstructing the establishment of international security mechanisms on the ground, and grant international human rights and humanitarian organizations access to both regions.

In conclusion, the countries emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict based on international law, including the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.