The conflict over South Ossetia reignited longstanding tensions between Georgia and Russia on August 7, 2008. Following years of rising hostilities and deteriorating relations post-Soviet Union dissolution, Georgia's government, led by President Mikheil Saakashvili, attempted to retake control of South Ossetia, a region that had sought independence since the early 1990s. The Georgian military commenced an assault to reclaim its territorial integrity, targeting the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali. This operation was viewed by the Georgian leadership as a critical move to restore order and reunification, but it underestimated Russia’s commitment to supporting the separatist region, which had maintained close ties to Moscow.In the wake of Georgia's assault, Russia rapidly mobilized forces, citing the need to protect its citizens and peacekeepers in South Ossetia. It launched a counter-offensive that included airstrikes and troop deployments into South Ossetian territory, resulting in intense clashes between armed forces. The conflict saw a swift escalation, and within days, Russian tanks rolled into Georgia, advancing towards its strategic cities. The war, lasting just five days, left hundreds dead and thousands displaced, underlining the complex ethnic divisions and geopolitical rivalries in the region.Consequently, a ceasefire was brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who held the EU presidency at the time. However, the aftermath of the war saw Russia officially recognize South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states, a move that further soured relations with Georgia and the West. The war also influenced NATO's considerations for Georgia’s membership and escalated tensions in the Caucasus region, illustrating the fragility of post-Soviet governance and ethnic dynamics.