In August 2008, Georgia launched a military operation to take control of the breakaway province of South Ossetia -- an operation Russia soundly defeated. Since then, Russia has recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states. A year later, residents from both countries held vigils to remember the lives lost.

July 2, 2008

Russia-Georgia Talks Aim to Prevent Another Flare-up
Georgian and Russian officials reportedly engaged in constructive -- though at times strained -- talks this week and agreed to meet again in mid-September in the next of a series of discussions aimed at avoiding a repeat of August's five-day war.

September 8, 2008

Russia Agrees to Georgia Troop Pullback; U.S. Cancels Nuclear Deal
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday that Russian troops would pull out of Georgian territory after European Union monitors deploy to the separatist provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia next month.

September 4, 2008

Cheney Reaffirms Commitment to Georgia Joining NATO
Emphasizing Washington's support for Georgia in its showdown with Russia, Vice President Dick Cheney said the United States was "fully committed" to Georgia's efforts to join the NATO alliance.

August 27, 2008

Ukraine Condemns Russian Action in Georgia; U.S. Ships Avoid Russian-Held Port
World leaders on Wednesday continued to condemn Russia's decision to formally recognize two breakaway Georgian regions. Meanwhile, a U.S. Naval ship carrying humanitarian aid that was expected to dock at the Russian-patrolled city of Poti instead docked in another port 50 miles south.

August 26, 2008

Russia Formally Recognizes Breakaway Georgian Areas
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday formally recognized the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, heightening tensions with the United States and Europe over the conflict in the separatist areas.