Explaining complex things in simple words: Ukraine’s Olympic wins, anniversary of Russian aggression against Georgia

UKRAINE’S OLYMPIC VICTORIES

On August 7, the Ukrainian athlete Oleksandr Khyzhniak became the Olympic champion in boxing in the category up to 80 kg.

 This is Ukraine's third gold medal and eighth overall at the Olympic Games in Paris. Ukraine rose to the 17th position in the medal tally after the 12th day of the competition.

 Ukraine demonstrates very decent results, although Ukrainian sports suffered giant damage and losses due to Russian aggression.

 Thousands of athletes defend Ukraine on the battlefield against the Russian aggressor.

 Russia has already harmed Ukrainian sports: it seizes and destroys the sports infrastructure, brings death, forces millions of people to move or flee, and interferes with the calm preparation of athletes for competitions.

 The victories of the Ukrainian national team in Paris demonstrate to the world the indomitable will of our people and inspire Ukrainians to fight for their country against the aggressor.

ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION AGAINST GEORGIA

August 7 marks 16 years since the beginning of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Georgia, as a result of which Russia killed hundreds of innocent people and occupied Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia).

 Russian imperialism in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe has remained unchanged for centuries. Its essence is deep-rooted chauvinism and contempt for other peoples, international law, internationally recognized borders, and the desire to restore imperial dominance.

 Russian aggression against Georgia, and later against Ukraine, is only an episode of Moscow’s multi-year imperial policy. Such politics have no place in the 21st century.

 Like any occupied territory, Russia has turned Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region into a “grey zone” where lawlessness prevails, prospects are lacking, and human rights are neglected. Moscow involves the population of the occupied regions in its wars. The latest confirmation of this is the construction of the Black Sea Fleet base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia.

 Ukraine supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and strongly condemns the aggressive policy of the Kremlin.

 Current events in Georgia, in particular the unfriendly rhetoric towards Ukraine, cause sadness and concern. Some Georgian politicians should remember the lessons of August 2008. And who is a real friend, and who is an enemy of Georgia.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security