Putin aide denies Georgian area referendum plan; Europe avoids fresh escalation

During the 2008 Olympics, the Russian Army invaded Georgia; occupied the provinces of Abkhazia & South Ossetia. Just like Ukraine in Donetsk & Luhansk, Georgia was also fighting Kremlin-friendly separatists. Georgian president sent troops into South Ossetia, Russia responded with air strikes & deadly ground assault. After occupying Abkhazia & South Ossetia, Russian forces moved to threaten cities, including Georgia's capital. War ended after just 5 days, Russia recognised the independence of the 2 breakaway Georgian regions. 1000s of Georgians were displaced, Russia even established permanent military bases in the regions.