The Presidential Administration of Russia
At the time of the 2008 Conflict, Russia’s top priority was to prevent building-up of tensions, reckons Dmitry Medvedev, the head of the Russian Government. He shared his point in the interview to the Kommersant Daily.
According to him, back then the Russian authorities did not aim to batter Georgia or execute its ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili. The main task was certainly not to defeat the Georgian troops but to push them out of Tskhinval and prevent escalation of the armed conflict.
Dmitry Medvedev, being the Head of the State ten years ago, is still convinced that decision to stop the troops was correct. At that moment, he explained, it was necessary "to exercise restraint and not to force further actions." This also allowed to maintain “balanced relations" on the international stage.
The Prime Minister emphasized that when Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it succeeded to achieve the main goal - peace. Consequently it was able to fend off the threat from its own citizens as well.
Dmitri Medvedev reminded that Russia has never refused to revive the dialog with Georgian government.
Saakashvili's policy was irresponsible, immoral and illicit, according to the Russia's politician. Dmitry Medvedev is confident, The war could be avoided if Mikheil Saakashvili had acted in different way. "Crucially, it was concluded that aggression had been started by Georgia. And this fact can not be wiped off from history," the Prime Minister said.
Let us remember, in the early hours of August 8, 2008 Georgian troops invaded South Ossetia. Aiming to defend civilian population of the Region, the government of Russia sent troops into the Republic and forced Georgian army out of its territory.
Russkiy Mir
