Mikheil Saakashvili

Russia invaded Georgia on August 9th 2008. The Russian attack was precipitated by a Georgian attempt to reestablish additional control over the separatist enclave of South Ossetia, an enclave the Russians support. The Russians, however, were just looking for an excuse to reestablish their control over Georgia. The actions of Georgian President, Mikheil Saakashvili, who has been a strong supporter of the west and Democracy, have particularly angered Russia and Russian leader, Putin.

The Russians launched a brutal attack on two parts of Georgia, cutting the country in two. The Russians targeted civilians, as well as, military targets causing wide spread casualties. A ceasefire was called, after five days of fighting.

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The Russo-Georgian War in August 2008 was a significant event in the post-Soviet geopolitical landscape. The conflict was centered around the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, both of which have had longstanding tensions with the central Georgian government and have received support from Russia.

The immediate trigger for the conflict was a Georgian military operation launched on August 7, 2008, aimed at reasserting control over South Ossetia. Russia responded with a large-scale military invasion of Georgia, far beyond the boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, effectively splitting the country in two.

The war was marked by its brutality, with both civilian and military targets being hit, leading to significant casualties and displacement of people. The international community was largely taken by surprise, and there was widespread condemnation of Russia's actions.

The Georgian President at the time, Mikheil Saakashvili, was known for his pro-Western stance and aspirations for Georgia to join NATO and the European Union, which was seen as a direct challenge to Russia's influence in the region. This, along with historical tensions and disputes over the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, contributed to the escalation of the conflict.

The war ended after five days with a ceasefire brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was holding the presidency of the EU at the time. However, the aftermath of the war saw Russia recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, a move that has been widely condemned and not recognized by most of the international community.

The Russo-Georgian War had significant implications for international relations, particularly in relation to Russia's relations with the West. It highlighted the tensions between Russia and the West over the post-Soviet space, and raised questions about the future of international security and order.