Russia-Georgia War
In August 2008, following a Georgian military operation to reassert control over South Ossetia, Russia launched a five-day war, crushing Georgian forces and recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states — a recognition rejected by nearly all UN members. The war demonstrated Russia's willingness to use military force to prevent former Soviet republics from moving toward NATO and Western institutions. The West's limited response foreshadowed its approach to Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.
- Year: 2008 CE
- Category: Military
