Prime Minister of Georgia: "This war has led to illegal, temporary occupation of our territories"

15 years have passed since the beginning of the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili noted that today is of particular importance for every citizen of the country, recalling that the Russian military aggression has led to great loss of life, the forcible resettlement of the civilian population and the temporary occupation of Georgian territories, which still remains the main challenge for the state sovereignty.

According to the Georgian prime minister, the war led to the illegal, temporary occupation of Georgian Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and they must be returned peacefully, with the help of a correct, reasonable, pragmatic policy. “Our government remains committed to the peaceful path of restoring the territorial integrity and unification of the country. We are driven by an unshakable belief that a united, strong, developed Georgia is the best prospect for Georgians, Ossetians, Abkhazians and all peoples living on our land,” Garibashvili said.

Последние новости
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
News
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026, the State Council of Tatarstan approved the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Lapin as deputy prime minister of the republic. Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov signed the appointment decree the same day. Lapin had previously been appointed acting deputy prime minister on 29 September 2026.

The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
Politics
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
19 October 2026

On October 17, a photo exhibition opened in Rome as part of a "World Without Mines" campaign, organized by the Azerbaijani public association "Gilavar Photo Club." The exhibition focuses on the threat posed by landmines following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia—a threat for which the organizers hold Yerevan responsible.

Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
Politics
Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
19 October 2026

In Baku, representatives from Azerbaijan, NATO member states, and partner nations have been assessing the Azerbaijani army’s capabilities against the alliance’s standards. The program included operational planning and exercises designed to improve interoperability between military units.

Georgian Court Refuses to Include Former PM’s Statement on Political Pressure in Case File
Politics
Georgian Court Refuses to Include Former PM’s Statement on Political Pressure in Case File
19 October 2026

A preliminary hearing was held at the Tbilisi City Court regarding a new corruption case against former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. The court is currently reviewing the admissibility of evidence and must decide whether the case should proceed to a trial on the merits. The accused did not appear at the hearing.