"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. Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador called the statement "hypocrisy," stating that Georgia lost territory due to a "reckless gamble" and accusing the West of trying to drive a wedge between Russia and Georgia.