European Allies Warn Russia Against South Ossetia Annexation

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement on the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, warning Moscow against the potential full-scale annexation of the occupied South Ossetia region. The allies expressed concern over a recent “alliance and cooperation” agreement and the appointment of a Russian citizen as the region’s de-facto leader, stating such moves would not go unanswered. The nations also condemned Russia’s ongoing militarization of Abkhazia and…