The start of the Russo-Georgian War over the territory of South Ossetia.

The August 2008 Russo-Georgian War, also known as the Russian invasion of Georgia, was a war waged against Georgia by the Russian Federation and the Russian-backed separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The fighting took place in the strategically important South Caucasus region. It is regarded as the first European war of the 21st century.

South Ossetia, officially the Republic of South Ossetia or the State of Alania, is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus with partial diplomatic recognition. It has an officially stated population of just over 56,500 people (2022), who live in an area of 3,900 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi), with 33,000 living in the capital city, Tskhinvali.

August 7 is the 219th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 146 days remain until the end of the year.