Withdrawal could take 10 days

Despite assurances that all Russian troops would complete a withdrawal from central Georgia by 22 August 2008, a Russian general told reporters on 21 August that the pullout could take as long as 10 days to be completed. Russian officials claim that their forces face significant logistical challenges in coordinating the movement of troops. Reports do indicate that there has been some Russian movement toward South Ossetia on 22 August, including out of the village of Igoleti. However, reports also indicate that Russian soldiers have been seen digging trenches near their checkpoint outside of Poti and remain stationed at several checkpoints in western Georgia. Leaders in the international community continue to demand an immediate retreat of all Russian soldiers from Georgian soil. Though some Russian forces have reportedly withdrawn from Georgia already, it is unclear at this point when a comprehensive pullout will be completed. The Russian government has also stated that soldiers will continue to be stationed within South Ossetia during and after any military withdrawal from central Georgia and that its checkpoints in the security zone around this region will be permanent.