The Helsinki Commission has responded to the Russian-Georgian war of August 2008 and said fourteen years ago Russia’s violently imperial designs were laid bare for the world to see in Georgia.

"After launching an assault on false pretexts, Russia’s forces ethnically cleansed tens of thousands, committed wanton destruction, and today occupy 20% of Georgian territory. We stand with the Georgian people against Russia's brutal colonialism. As Russia continues its occupation and commits genocide in Ukraine, we call on Georgia's government to work with its Western strategic partners to stop Russian malign influence and enhance regional security," – the Helsinki Commission said in a tweet.