Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that “the first Russian peacekeeping efforts, which began on July 14, 1992 in South Ossetia, were swift and protected the people of the republic from destruction,” the Russian TASS agency reported. .

He noted during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the peacekeeping operation to resolve the Georgian-Ossetian conflict that “the first peacekeeping operation was carried out at full speed and very quickly”, explaining that “this is a unique experience when a committee was formed in a few days, which included representatives of all defense forces.

“In the conditions of ongoing armed clashes at that time, I held talks with representatives of both sides of the conflict and leaders of illegal armed groups who refused to obey the official authorities,” Shoigu said, stressing that “I must admit that it was not easy. But the result was worth it. Russia allows the extermination of the people of South Ossetia.”

The conflict in South Ossetia began on January 5, 1991. On July 14, 1992, a mixed peacekeeping force consisting of three battalions – Russian, Georgian and Ossetian – was introduced into the conflict zone. Shoigu was then co-chairman of the Joint Monitoring Committee for the settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.