The United States Escalates Tensions in the South Caucasus Region, Says Russian Ambassador in the U.S.

The U.S. is escalating tensions in the South Caucasus region instead of promoting the signing of an agreement on the non-use of force between Tbilisi, Sukhum and Tskhinvali. This was stated by Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador in the U.S., as reported by RIA Novosti.

In his commentary, the diplomat noted that if the Biden administration were truly inclined to ensure peace in the region, it should abandon accusations against Russia and threats of sanctions, and not attempt to undermine the ties being established between Russia and Georgia.

“It is important to focus on practical work regarding security and stability in the South Caucasus within the framework of the Geneva international discussions. First and foremost, efforts should be directed towards the signing of a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force between Tbilisi, Sukhum and Tskhinvali, rather than escalating the situation, which is what the U.S. is currently engaged in,” the ambassador stated.

He emphasized that the U.S. is deliberately distorting the situation by shifting the responsibility for the events of 2008 onto others, while it actually lies with former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

“It is high time that Washington acknowledges that this inhumane decision was also a consequence of the U.S.'s incorrect policies. After all, it was the West that brought Saakashvili to power and vigorously supported his infamous regime. And to this day, it continues to lobby for the interests of this individual, as recently confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice,” Antonov highlighted.

Georgia bombarded South Ossetia from Grad multiple rocket fire systems on the night of August 7-8, 2008, and Georgian forces launched an attack on the republic, destroying part of the capital Tskhinvali. In defense of the residents of South Ossetia, many of whom had accepted Russian citizenship, Russia deployed troops into the republic and expelled Georgian military forces after five days of combat operations. On August 26, 2008, Moscow recognized the sovereignty of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The day before, the State Department issued a statement regarding the 15th anniversary of the August events, accusing Russia of violating Georgia's territorial integrity and causing the population “countless sufferings.”