"Western Nations Demand Russia's Return of Annexed Georgian Regions"

Six Western nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, marked the 15th anniversary of Russia's takeover of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia by demanding that Moscow return the regions. The joint statement condemned Russia's invasion and continued occupation, as well as its aggression against Ukraine. The Western nations called for a peaceful resolution based on international law and the recognition of every country's territorial integrity. Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador criticized the statement as hypocrisy and accused the West of trying to drive a wedge between Russia and Georgia.