[photo source: NY Times]
After three days of fighting, and following Georgia’s unilateral ceasefire, Russian forces have apparently shifted from aerial bombing of Georgian targets to ground movement. According to Georgian officials, Russian troops have crossed the Georgian-Ossetian boundary and are now moving against the city of Gori, NNW of Tbilisi. Gori is one of Georgia’s largest towns and the closest major dwelling to the South Ossetian region.
The reported ground offensive comes just hours after Russian troops launched a major operation in North-East Abkhazia [Kodori Gorge] against Georgian forces, and bombed the city of Zugdidi, in Western Georgia.
As most of you have noticed, the tone of my posts has shifted dramatically as it became clear that Russia’s response to Tbilisi’s actions is more than a slap on the wrist, and is now developing into a full-scale aggression against Georgia, going outside the boundaries of international law and internationally accepted code of conduct. Now it has become clear that Russia aims not only to intimidate Tbilisi, not only to return to the status quo ante, but to orchestrate a full-scale invasion of Georgia, the only possible purpose of which is the toppling of a democratically-elected regime and the transformation of Georgia into Moscow’s puppet.
A BBC reporter, while trying to make his way toward Gori, noticed streams of refugees trying to make an escape from the town before the arrival of Russian troops. Gori is just one hour drive away from Tbilisi.
As this happens, the US and the EU have hardened their rhetoric, warning Russia of long-lasting negative effects in bilateral relations.
If reports of a Russian ground offensive are confirmed, this night may be a crucial one for Georgia. I will try to keep you updated as I get information.
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