Thirty years after the fall of the USSR, Georgia still under Russian influence

Published on : 12/21/2021 – 8:47 AM

30 years ago, the USSR collapsed, leaving 15 independent republics, one giant, Russia, and 14 other states, including Georgia.

In 2008, this Caucasian country is trying to get closer to the European Union. Then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is using clashes between the Georgian army and Ossetian separatists to send Russian troops across the border. A first since the dissolution of the USSR.

Arrested by the international community a few kilometers from Tbilisi, the Russians withdrew, but kept control of South Ossetia, which they called the Autonomous Republic of Ossetia. For Georgians, it is an occupied province.

Twenty Russian military bases assiduously monitor the 350 kilometers of a border which does not speak its name, inherited from the 2008 war. soldiers on the ground, and Russian troops are deployed on our soil and occupy our province. This is a real annexation, and it is also a threat to the security of Europe “, describes Tamta Guguadez, security analyst Georgian State.

“These barbed wire ruined my life”

Since 2008, pro-Russian Ossetian separatists have erected kilometers of barbed wire fencing to transform this demarcation line into a physical border, sometimes cutting farms in two and separating families, like that of Valia Vanishvilli. “I had a piece of land there, but they locked me up with that fence, and I lost it. My relatives cannot come, if they cross, they will be arrested. I have no one here. . These barbed wire have ruined my life, “says the old lady.

According to the Georgian government, 26,000 people still live in refugee camps which over time have become villages. “I hope to see my village again one day, I need it. Like a thirsty person needs water. I still have hope, but after 14 years, despite the promises, nothing has happened.” , explains a man. “If my generation doesn’t go back, my grandchildren won’t be interested,” adds another woman.

With this war, Russia was able to consolidate its influence in the Caucasus. She also sent an unequivocal message to the former Soviet republics.