On Tuesday, December 22, the Ministry of Defense of Russia announced that Russian armed forces took control over the border with Georgia in the area of the self-proclaimed Republic of South Ossetia. "As part of the implementation of the Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance between Russia and South Ossetia, the Russian armed forces took control over the managed border," the ministry reported. This occurred after the residents of South Ossetia held a referendum and voted for joining the region to Russia. In response, the Russian side took it upon itself to ensure the safety and control over the border. "Our main goal is to ensure the safety of the residents of South Ossetia and create conditions for the sustainable development and prosperity of this region," the ministry added.
