Georgia's conflict with Russia, from 1989 to 2009

1989 – Soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall in November, South Ossetia declares independence from Georgia, prompting three months of conflict.

1990 – New clashes erupt between Georgian and South Ossetian troops in December; fighting continues until 1992.

1991 – On Aug. 9, Georgia declares independence from the Soviet Union.

1992 – Russian, Georgian and South Ossetian leaders sign a ceasefire agreement at Sochi.

2002 – South Ossetia’s president asks Moscow to recognise its independence and asks to be integrated into the Russian Federation.

2004 – Mikheil Saakashvili elected president of Georgia.

April 2008 – Russia’s then president, Vladimir Putin, re-establishes ties with his counterparts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia; Georgia calls the move a violation of international law.

Aug. 4, 2008 – South Ossetian separatists claim at least six people killed by Georgian artillery.

Aug. 7, 2008 – Georgia launches a major offensive in South Ossetia.

Aug. 8, 2008 – Russia responds to the Georgian operation by sending rocket fire and troops into the enclave as well as into Georgia proper.

Aug. 10, 2008 – Georgia withdraws from Tskhinvali, proposes ceasefire.

Aug. 11, 2008 – Russia calls on Georgian forces on the Abkhazian border to disarm; Georgia refuses. Saakashvili claims Moscow is looking to overthrow his government.

Aug. 22, 2008 – Russian troops complete their withdrawal from Georgian territory under a French-brokered peace deal. Russian peacekeeping forces remain in areas of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.