At a meeting with the residents of South Ossetia who came to Vladikavkaz, Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Russia will never revoke its decision to recognise the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Russia's actions in South Ossetia [the operation to force Georgia to make peace] were not undertaken to achieve geopolitical results, but rather to save lives, said Mr Medvedev. The President also noted that Russia will continue to assist South Ossetia and Abkhazia in various areas, including in military matters.
In connection with the anniversary of the tragic events in South Ossetia, Dmitry Medvedev gave awards to servicemen of the 58th Army of the North Caucasus Military District, who participated in repulsing the Georgian aggression against South Ossetia in August 2008. Earlier that day, President Medvedev also sent a message to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.