How the conflict unfolded
Georgia begins military operation to retake South Ossetia, which has had de facto independence since 1992. Tension has been simmering for several years, with independence campaigners wanting to use Russian backing to break away completely from Georgia.
Friday August 8
Russian government sends tanks to the region, claiming it must protect Russians living in province. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili accuses Russia of declaring war. Georgian authorities report bombing raids which Russia denies.
Saturday August 9
Georgian interior ministry claims Russia has carried out air strikes on three military bases and oil shipping facilities. Britain echoes international calls for a ceasefire as Gordon Brown holds talks with French president Nicolas Sarkozy and asks both sides to show "the greatest restraint".
Sunday August 10
Foreign Office urges all Britons to leave Georgia and advises against non-essential travel to the region. Russian navy sends ships to blockade Georgia's Black Sea coast to disrupt weapons supplies. Georgian interior ministry claims Russia has bombed military airport and plane construction plant on the outskirts of Georgian capital Tbilisi. Russia's deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin says more than 2,000 people have been killed in South Ossetia since Friday.
Monday August 11
Russian forces push beyond South Ossetia amid accusations Russia is attempting to "conquer" Georgia. George Bush warns Moscow not to proceed with a "dramatic and brutal escalation". Russia claims it has sunk a Georgian ship trying to attack its vessels in the Black Sea and launches air strikes on Tbilisi. Russian general Sergei Chaban demands that Georgian troops near the breakaway province of Abkhazia disarm.
