Russian tanks have begun to retreat

Reports on 21 August 2008 indicate that Russian tanks have begun to retreat from central Georgia and move into the separatist region of South Ossetia. Eyewitnesses stated that several Russian military vehicles and tanks could be seen moving north in a large column into the South Ossetia capital of Tskhinvali. Russian forces have also reportedly been seen transporting seized Georgian military equipment north across the border into Russia. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had earlier promised that Russian troops would complete a full pullout to South Ossetia by 22 August. Georgian soldiers have claimed that the Russians remain stationed in Georgian territory to provoke a resumption of the conflict between the two sides. Security checkpoints remain in place along the Gori-Tbilisi highway, restricting road travel through central Georgia. Russian troops reportedly remain near Gori and have built a guard post in Igoeti, approximately 27 mi/43 km from Tbilisi. Eyewitnesses state that Russian soldiers also appear to be constructing new encampments near the port of Poti on the Black Sea Coast and have blocked all roads leading into the city. Despite the continued deployment, reports indicate that the Russian military has allowed humanitarian aid convoys to travel through restricted areas. Although sources had earlier indicated that Russia was planning to suspend all military cooperation with NATO, Russia's foreign minister later appeared to backtrack on those reports, stating that Russia was not planning to "slam the door" on relations with the alliance. Separately, Russia's foreign minister also stated that Russia will keep 500 soldiers in the security zone outside of South Ossetia after 22 August. Additional troops will also remain stationed within South Ossetia.