Key Developments in the Russian Military & Political Escalation Before the Invasion of Georgia

Moscow has been exerting an increasingly strong hold over the separatist governments; since 2005, Russian military and civilian officials seconded from Moscow effectively have been governing South Ossetia.

In spring 2006, Russian forces illegally build of a forward military base in the strategically located town of Java (north of Tskhinvali). The base has capacity for 2,500 soldiers

United Nations confirms Russia downs Georgian aircraft over Georgian airspace (April 2006)

Russia increases troop strength & introduces paratroopers into Abkhazia (May/June 2008)

Russia moves illegal heavy weaponry & offensive forces into Abkhazia (May/June 2008)

On July 9, Four Russian military aircraft violate Georgian airspace on the eve of US Secretary of State Rice’s visit to Georgia.

Russia undertakes large-scale military exercises near S. Ossetia: & Abkhazia (July 2008)