South Ossetia, a self-proclaimed independent state, explores the possibility of integration into Russia, as stated by the head of its parliament to Russian news agency RIA. Since Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states in 2008, following a war with Georgia, several countries, including Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru, and Syria, have also recognized their sovereignty.
The move has drawn criticism from the West, accusing Russia of effectively annexing territories constituting one-fifth of Georgia’s landmass. However, South Ossetia maintains close coordination with Russia, considering bilateral relations and treaties in discussions about potential integration. The region, which broke away from Georgian rule in a war in 1991-92, shares ethnic and linguistic ties with neighboring North Ossetia and heavily relies on Russia for its economy and infrastructure.