Background of the Russo-Georgian War Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Emboldened by the success in restoring control in Adjara in early 2004, the Georgian government launched a push to retake South Ossetia. Intense fighting took place between Georgian forces and South Ossetian militia between 8 and 19 August 2004. According to researcher Sergei Markedonov, the brief war in 2004 was a turning point for Russian policy in the region: Russia, which had previously aimed only to preserve the status-quo, now felt that the security of the whole Caucasus depended on the situation in South Ossetia, and took the side of South Ossetia. Since 2006, Georgia's total
Visa policy of South Ossetia Visa policy of South Ossetia Visitors to South Ossetia do not require a visa. However, visitors are required to hold a valid Russian visa that permits them to return to Russia unless they are Russian citizens or citizens of countries that are exempt from Russian visas and to notify authorities about their visit in advance. Meanwhile, citizens of 3 other Post-Soviet disputed states can travel visa free to South Ossetia. All members of the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations have agreed to abolish visa requirements for their citizens. This includes: An agreement between South Ossetia and Nauru on