Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Ends Military Operation in Georgia
by John Little on 12/08/2008Yesterday, I said that Sarkozy’s visit would present the logical point for Russia to end this conflict. That appears to be happening:
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced Tuesday that he has ordered an end to military operations against Georgia.
The announcement came minutes before French President Nicolas Sarkozy was to land in Moscow to meet with Medvedev to negotiate terms for a possible cease-fire.
“I have reached a decision to halt the operation to force the Georgian authorities to peace,” Medvedev said. “The aggressor has been punished and has incurred very significant losses. Its armed forces are disorganized.”
“The statement on the halt of the military action by Russia is the news we had expected. It’s good news,” Sarkozy said, according to an Interfax report.
The decision ends five days of fighting that began in Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia and spread well into Georgia.
Now it gets interesting. Russia has to follow through on this pledge. They also have to pull their forces back to their August 6th positions and I have yet to see a Russian commitment to doing that.
At some point Georgia’s place in the Western alliance will either be secured rapidly, to eliminate the possibility of further Russian aggression, or they’ll essentially be abandoned. I fear the latter but we’ll know soon enough. Russia’s position, on the other hand, is now enhanced significantly.
Others Blogging:
James Joyner
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has ordered what the press is describing as a “cease-fire” in Georgia. Given that he is not withdrawing Russian forces and is going to keep killing Georgian troops in South Ossetia in violation of international law, however, that term doesn’t quite seem to fit.
Related posts:
Transcript: President Bush Sending Troops to Georgia – Will Rally Free World in Defense
Good morning. I’ve just met with my national security team to discuss the crisis in Georgia. I’ve spoken with President Saakashvili of Georgia, and President Sarkozy of France this morning....
Georgia: Russian Attacks Continue Despite Pledge
We’ll know within a few hours if Russia is lying or if the situation on the ground needs time to get in synch with the politicians. There’s reason for concern...
Russia and Georgia Both Agree to Six-Point Plan to End Fighting
Everyone seems to be on board – for now: Georgia’s president late Tuesday agreed to a six-point plan announced by the Russian and French presidents that aims to settle the...
Video: Turkish Journalists Attacked in Russian Controlled Area of Georgia
The video is dramatic. I can’t believe these men are alive: Meanwhile a reporter was shot in the eye when his team of Turkish journalists, who were travelling from Gori...
Russian President Vladimir Putin will “step down, but stay on”
Don’t look for Putin to retire to his dacha: President Vladimir Putin will retain a leadership role in Russia even if he steps down in 2008, as required by the...
There are 4 comments in this article: