Fatal Encounter: Russian Forces Claim Another Georgian Life Near Breakaway Region

Russian border guards shot and killed a Georgian citizen near the border with the breakaway South Ossetia region, marking the first deadly incident in the area since the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. The European Union's top diplomat condemned the shooting and called for the immediate release of the detained individual. Despite concerns over the ruling government's pro-Russian tendencies, the European Commission is expected to grant Georgia candidate status for EU membership this week.