Georgia’s Deputy FM raises Russia’s continued occupation at OSCE Permanent Council

Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia addressed a session of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday dedicated to the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Darsalia spoke about Russia’s large-scale aggression against Georgia in 2008, noting that 18 years later, Russia continues to occupy Georgian territories and maintain an illegal military presence there.

He said Russia continues to disregard its international obligations, including the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, and refuses to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory, reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of the occupied regions, and ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

The Deputy Foreign Minister highlighted the severe humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories, including illegal detentions, killings, discrimination, restrictions on freedom of movement and other violations. He also noted that Russia continues to block access for international mechanisms to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Darsalia also addressed security challenges stemming from Russia’s illegal military presence in Georgia’s land, air and maritime spaces, as well as Moscow’s efforts to integrate the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions into its political, military and legal systems.

In this context, he referred to the “Agreement on Deepening Allied Cooperation”, signed between Russia and the Tskhinvali occupation regime on May 9, 2026, saying the agreement institutionalises Moscow’s administrative control and contributes to the de facto annexation of the region.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said Georgia remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and highlighted steps taken towards reconciliation and confidence-building aimed at promoting dialogue and interaction between artificially divided communities.

Darsalia also focused on the Geneva International Discussions as the only format between Georgia and Russia in which, with the involvement of international actors, issues related to the implementation of the August 12, 2008 ceasefire agreement brokered by the European Union, as well as the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, are discussed.

In conclusion, the importance of partners’ support in upholding the fundamental principles of the international order was underscored.

Representatives of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Türkiye made statements in support of Georgia at the meeting.