Russian President Vladimir Putin with Anatoly Bibilov (File image)
Photo : AP
On messaging app, Telegram, Bibilov said, “We are coming home.” He further added, “The time has come to unite once and for all.” Earlier this month, Bibilov lost his bid for re-election. He was defeated by Alan Gagloev.
Bibilov was de facto president of South Ossetia since 2017. However, he promised to still hold a referendum on the territory. Gagloev received 54 percent votes, while Bibilove got 43 percent votes. Russia also expressed hope that Gagloev would maintain continuity in ties with Russia.
In August 2008, Russia launched an assault against Georgi. More than 700 people were killed in the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk have also wanted to join Russia.
Russia started its military operation in Ukraine on February 24. Since the Russian invasion, more than six million people fled the war-torn country. Russian President termed the invasion as “de-Nazification” of Ukraine.
