‘Tonight in South Ossetia, Georgian forces basically performed an act of aggression against Russian peacekeepers and civilians. What happened is a gross violation of international law and those mandates which were given at some point to Russia by the international community as a partner in conflict resolution.  Now in South Ossetia, civilians, women, children and elderly are dying, and the majority of them are Russian citizens. In accordance with the constitution and our federal laws, as the president of the Russian Federation, I am obliged to protect the life and dignity of Russian citizens wherever they are. The logic of the steps taken by us right now is dictated by these circumstances. We will not allow an unpunishable loss of lives of our citizens,’ Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, official statement, 8 August

‘Russia is fighting a war with us on our territory,’ Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, 8 August

‘Russia has invaded a sovereign neighbouring state and threatens a democratic government elected by its people. Such an action is unacceptable in the 21st century. … Russia’s government must respect Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. … Russia’s actions this week have raised serious questions about its intentions in Georgia and the region. These actions have substantially damaged Russia’s standing in the world. And these actions jeopardise Russia’s relations with the United States and Europe. It is time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end this crisis,’ US President George W. Bush, official statement, 11 August

‘I am a Georgian,’ Estonian President Toomas Hendrick Ilves, 12 August, while on a visit to Tbilisi