In August 2008, tensions over the "breakaway republic" of South Ossetia between Russia and Georgia boiled over into a conflict that left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. Russian troops invaded Georgia as far as Gori, a city near the center of Georgia and the birthplace of Josef Stalin, one of the Soviet Union's most infamous and brutal dictators.

South Ossetia, a republic recognized by few countries, is still a Russian satellite state in the restive Caucasus region. The International Court in The Hague opened an investigation into war crimes committed by Russian, Georgian and Ossetian forces during the conflict.