Russia takes pieces of Georgia
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In August 2008, Russian-backed separatists demanded independence in the areas of Georgia known as South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Soon afterwards, Russian tanks rolled into the area and ejected Georgian forces. Since then, the territories have been a frozen conflict, with Russian forces standing inside Georgia to secure the areas. The territories then proclaimed independence from Georgia and declared themselves republics. Russia and Venezuela are the only countries that have recognised the territories as independent republics.
Moving borders and taking chunks from Georgia
Georgia’s embassy in the US reports that Russia is steadily taking small pieces of Georgia and thus gradually expanding the territory of these “republics”. Since 2008, the areas have been expanded significantly. This is done in a simple way. Barbed wire fences are gradually being moved inland in Georgia. Bit by bit, Georgia’s territories are gradually disappearing without the world reacting.
Recently, provocations against Georgia have increased. Georgia fears that the village of Takhtisdziri will be occupied.
Frozen conflicts in Russia’s interest
The conflict between Russia and Georgia in these areas fits into a pattern. We see something similar in Moldova and not least in Ukraine. Former Soviet republics that have been given autonomy, Russia will still control. To prevent these countries from becoming members of NATO and or the EU, a conflict is a useful weapon. For example, a country that has a border conflict cannot become a member of the alliance.
Russia’s goal through these frozen conflicts may also be to destabilise a society in the long term and then enter a society in disintegration.
The dream of empire
Among many Russians, the dream of rebuilding the Soviet empire lives on. We constantly hear and read about Russian politicians talking about reuniting the old Soviet Union. The frozen conflicts can eventually be used for a consolidation process.
I find it strange that this gets little attention in Norway. Some defend Russia on the grounds that they have a right or need for a sphere around them of countries with which they have good relations. Perhaps Russia should rather focus on being good neighbours and accept the independence of another country.