The Russian Strategy for Normalizing Conflictual Relations between South Ossetia and Georgia in the Period of 1992–2008

The article analyzes the key approaches and methods employed by Russia in resolving the Georgian-South Ossetian ethnopolitical conflict. The examined period covers a series of crises and escalations in relations between Georgia and South Ossetia, making this time frame crucial for understanding the dynamics of the conflict. The focus is on Russia’s role in peacekeeping processes, including mediating negotiations and ensuring stability in the conflict zone. Russia acted as one of the key actors by deploying peacekeeping contingents and offering diplomatic formats for negotiations to prevent further armed clashes. The article emphasizes the need to balance Russia’s national interests with international pressure and the internal political processes in Georgia and South Ossetia. Special attention is paid to Russia’s diplomatic and political efforts in de-escalating the conflict, concluding ceasefire agreements, and stabilizing the situation before the military actions in 2008. The article highlights the multifaceted nature of Russia’s efforts in conflict resolution, addressing regional security and international diplomacy. However, the insufficient study of this issue in domestic historiography is noted, leaving some aspects of Russia’s role in conflict resolution underexplored and requiring further scholarly investigation.