In 2008, we held direct negotiations with President Sarkozy
In 2008, we held direct negotiations with President Sarkozy, who flew to Moscow – tough but productive – and agreed to end the conflict on Russian terms in the interests of the affected republics,
Consensus
- The negotiations between Russia and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in August 2008 were described as tough or difficult but effective.
- The talks took place in Moscow, with Sarkozy visiting the city.
- Russia and Sarkozy agreed to end the Georgian-Ossetian conflict on Russia's terms, in the interest of the affected republics.
- France played a constructive role in resolving the conflict.
- Russia intervened militarily in South Ossetia after Georgia launched an attack on August 7–8, 2008.
- Russian forces expelled Georgian troops from South Ossetia after five days of fighting.
- Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abhazia on August 26, 2008.
- Georgia continues to claim South Ossetia and Abkhazia as its own territories.
- The conflict began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia, including the capital city of Tskhinvali.
Points of divergence
- The French side played a constructive role in resolving the Georgian-Ossetian crisis. — vm
- The conflict began in the night of August 7–8, 2009, when Georgia attacked South Ossetia with 'Grad' rocket launchers. — vesti
- Medvedev, who was then President of Russia, recalled that Russia had decided to protect Abkhazia and South Ossetia 18 years ago, in August 2008. — vedomosti
- Russia intervened to protect the residents of South Ossetia, many of whom held Russian citizenship. — kommersant
Coverage (5 sources)
- Medvedev called talks with Sarkozy in 2008 tough and productive — Вечерняя Москва
- Tough but effective: Medvedev on talks with Sarkozy on Ossetia in 2008 — Вести
- Medvedev: negotiations on the conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia were complicated — Ведомости
- Medvedev stated on the complete discrediting of Western diplomacy — Вести
- Medvedev spoke about negotiations on the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in 2008 — Коммерсантъ