UN Security Council discusses Russia-Georgia conflict, situation in Russian-occupied Georgian territories

The United Nations Security Council held a closed meeting on the 17th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war, focusing on the situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia and broader issues related to the conflict.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, delivered a briefing to Council members. He provided an updated assessment of the situation on the ground and the ongoing Geneva International Discussions.

Following the session, representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, and Latvia (a future Council member) made a joint statement to the media.

They emphasised that 17 years have passed since Russia’s aggression against Georgia and its ongoing illegal military presence in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

The statement highlighted that Russia’s 2008 invasion marked the beginning of a more aggressive policy toward its neighbors - one that continues today with its unprovoked war against Ukraine.

The joint declaration reaffirmed strong support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It condemned Russia’s breach of the UN Charter through the invasion and continued illegal military presence, as well as steps toward the annexation of the two regions under its control.

The statement also voiced deep concern over Russia’s failure to honor its commitments under the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008. This includes withdrawing its forces to pre-conflict positions and allowing international human rights monitoring mechanisms, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, unrestricted access. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Geneva International Discussions as the primary platform for addressing the consequences of the conflict.