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The 15th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia is twice as heavy today. We pay tribute to the lives lost and honor the heroes whose names add strength to the Georgian people, – the US Embassy states.
In its statement, the Embassy notes, “Today, the American flag is flown at half-mast in mourning for the Shovi tragedy victims.”
“15 years have passed since the August 5-day war. In the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, 170 employees of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, 14 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 224 civilians were killed. The total number of wounded and injured civilian and military persons amounted 2,232, among them, 1,045 persons were military personnel.
“Today, 20% of Georgia’s territories are still occupied by Russia.”
…………
YANA RUDENKO
The russian aggression of 🇺🇦 Ukraine that is the 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 since WWII is the direct result of Europe’s indifference and inaction.
👉 Once you ignore the bully, 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 will continue.
15 years ago, this day 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 invaded 🇬🇪 Georgia (Sakartvelo) causing thousands of 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 and hundreds of 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 just in 5 days.
20% of Sakartvelo is still illegally occupied by 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚
The world didn’t react.
The impunity of 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 remained so 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 invaded again. It is simple and plain.
👀 If we don’t stop 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 now, we just need to guess who is the next target.
______
Meanwhile “Merkel: We Need to Work on Pan-European Security Architecture With russia” (September, 2022)
Blindness? Corruption?
#StandWithUkraine #Security #Military
…………………
MARIAM KINTSURASHVILI
Impunity. This is the first word to come to my mind every August since 2008. Impunity and inability to learn lessons from history. The world gaslighted and victim-blamed #Georgia, appeased the aggressor and disregarded our right to sovereignty, development and striving for #democracy. Internally this has led to #russia’s crawling occupation and hybrid warfare that resulted in the catastrophe we are facing today with our russia-appointed government.
On a larger scale this has led to 2014, to annexed #Crimea and savaged East of #Ukraine. And once again, the world chose the tactics of appeasement and business as usual. Today, the fate of the Western civilization, democratic ideals, historical justice is at stake in Ukraine. Those Georgians who have chosen to fight the russian monster on the frontlines inside Ukraine, realize that the victory of Ukraine is our victory and finally long-awaited justice for Georgia. I just hope that this time awakened world will not back off and stand for what is right. #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦🇬🇪
#stoprussia #supportukraine
……………..
President #Zelenskiy: “August 7. Every year on this day, the world remembers 🇷🇺 aggression against 🇬🇪. 15 years have passed. The #russian occupation remains – this wound on the body of the Georgian state remains. Many words have already been said that if the world had been decisive back in 2008, many things would have been different. Back then already 🇷🇺 should have realized that the aggressor pays the highest price for aggression. It must definitely realize this now.
When 🇺🇦 wins this war, it will not only stop the expansion of russia’s aggressive appetites, it will not only save other nations from what we are going through – #Ukraine, #Georgia, and #Moldova. Our victory will return normalcy to everyone – it will end the Russian occupation.
Ukrainians stand in solidarity with the people of Georgia, and I thank all Georgian citizens who are defending freedom with us! And especially those who are fighting as part of the defense and security forces of 🇺🇦!
Freedom will win, Georgia will win, Ukraine will win!”
standwithukraine #stoprussia #russianwarcrimes #supportukraine
…….
Back to the present: Another post from Mariam:
💔🇬🇪 A devastating tragedy has been unfolding in #Georgia – a mudslide in the mountainous region of Racha claimed the lives of 12 people with dozens still missing, as #rescue efforts continue.
The #landslide on Thursday triggered the movement of approximately 5 million cubic metres of soil and caused the banks of the River Buba to burst, with a torrent of water sweeping away houses and cottages in the Shovi resort in Oni Municipality. Two bridges near Shovi were also washed away, complicating access to the disaster zone.
Emergency services, volunteers from all over Georgia, local population, relatives and friends of the missing are working tirelessly day and night, however the progress is slow due to the 5-7 meter mud levels in the epicenter of the disaster zone and lack of the necessary technical equipment including rescue helicopters.
The government response to the tragedy arises numerous questions, while the prime minister Gharibashvili hits out at critics of the government’s preparedness for the disaster, lambasting ‘loser politicians’ and an ‘immoral’ media for claiming the government had failed to purchase three helicopters for emergency situations as they had planned to do.
Last August, Gharibashvili vowed to sell a ‘luxury’ helicopter bought by the previous government that he claimed was not fit for rescue operations and buy three new helicopters instead. That never happened.
Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani joined critics of the government on Friday, stating that ‘unfortunately, the lack of technical equipment needed to deal with such a crisis has once again become evident, which is directly related to the protection of the right to human life and health’.
Gharibashvili also dismissed calls to seek additional help from Turkey or Azerbaijan, while President Salome Zurabishvili called for unity and stated she was ready to reach out to the leaders of other countries for assistance.
President #Zelenskiy addressed Georgian people on Friday expressing sympathy and offering condolences to the families of the victims.
While the “Georgian dream/nightmare” ruling party is in the justification mode and continue their usual attacks on opponents and the media, trying to cover up for their lack of professionalism and integrity, relatives of those missing are clinging to the last hope to find their loved ones alive.
The photos contained in Mariam Kintsuarashvili’s post are very well known and capture the horror inflicted upon Georgia in just 5 days.
15 years later, 20% of Georgia is under putinaZi occupation, the conflict is “frozen” against the will of the Georgian people, they are stuck with a pro-Russia dictatorship and the most successful post-Soviet leader; Mikhail Saakashvili, is being slowly murdered in prison.
Does anyone want that outcome for Ukraine?
Quite a few actually: apart from the BRICS scum, we have the putler wing of the GOP and the tankie wing of the Dems.
When will we finally stop these evil fascist creatures?
In Renny Harlan’s excellent movie Five Days of War, events are portrayed very accurately, with a star turn by Andy Garcia as Saakash.
“5 Days of War” is a 2011 action war film directed by Renny Harlin. The movie is based on true events and takes place during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Set in the Caucasus region, the film provides a gripping account of the five-day conflict between Georgia and Russia and the harrowing experiences of a group of journalists covering the war.
The film follows the story of Thomas Anders, played by Rupert Friend, an American journalist, and his cameraman, Sebastian Ganz, portrayed by Richard Coyle. They arrive in Georgia to cover the country’s struggle for independence and its efforts to regain control over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. As they document the peaceful protests in Tbilisi, they find themselves caught in the midst of escalating tensions.
When war breaks out between Georgia and Russia, Thomas and Sebastian are driven by their commitment to reporting the truth to follow the unfolding events and report from the frontlines. Alongside their Georgian interpreter, Tatia, played by Emmanuelle Chriqui, they navigate through the chaos and danger, witnessing the devastating impact of war on civilian lives.
As the conflict intensifies, the group encounters the Russian military’s brutal and indiscriminate tactics, including airstrikes on civilian targets and refugee convoys. The film highlights the human cost of war and the emotional toll it takes on the journalists as they face constant danger and witness the suffering of innocent people.
Throughout “5 Days of War,” the journalists are determined to reveal the truth to the world, even as they face challenges, including threats to their own safety. The film underscores the importance of a free press in conflict zones and their role in holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Amidst the chaos and violence, Thomas and Tatia form a bond, and their personal relationship adds a human element to the larger narrative of war and destruction. Their love story provides moments of respite from the intense action, but it also emphasizes the impact of the conflict on individual lives.
As the days go by, the journalists encounter both acts of heroism and tragedies, witnessing the resilience of the Georgian people and the unwavering spirit of those fighting for their country’s independence. The film also sheds light on the diplomatic efforts and international responses to the crisis, revealing the complexities of the geopolitical landscape during the conflict.
“5 Days of War” is a gripping and visceral war film that captures the chaos, fear, and bravery experienced by journalists covering a conflict zone. The movie’s intense action sequences and realistic portrayal of war provide a visceral and emotional experience for viewers. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists who risk their lives to bring important stories to the world.
While the film dramatizes events and takes some creative liberties for storytelling purposes, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of war, journalism, and the resilience of the human spirit. “5 Days of War” is a poignant tribute to the journalists who work tirelessly to bring the truth to light and an urgent call for peace and understanding in the face of conflict.”
YouTube link :
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7S4RAG-sbR4&feature=youtu.be
The sacking of Gori is shown in hideous detail. An actor portrays the Russian commander as an evil savage.
It now turns out of course that the actor was actually being quite restrained…..
Just look at this devastating quote from Mariam Kintsurashvili:
“The world gaslighted and victim-blamed #Georgia, appeased the aggressor and disregarded our right to sovereignty, development and striving for #democracy. Internally this has led to #russia’s crawling occupation and hybrid warfare that resulted in the catastrophe we are facing today with our russia-appointed government.”
We learned precisely nothing. It’s a disgrace.
Georgia is the second oldest Christian country in the world. Its integrity must be fully restored.