August M
Previously classified US diplomatic documents linked to unidentified aerial activity over Georgia in 2001 were reportedly connected to suspected Russian military operations rather than unexplained phenomena.
United24Media reported that the released records focused on a confidential cable sent from the US Embassy in Moscow shortly after aerial bombardments in Georgia’s Kodori Gorge near the breakaway region of Abkhazia.
Diplomatic concerns raised
According to the documents, then-US Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow confronted Russian officials after Georgian authorities accused Russian aircraft of carrying out strikes on October 28-29, 2001.
Russian officials denied involvement and insisted no Russian aircraft had entered Georgian airspace.
The diplomatic cable stated that Moscow’s Defence Ministry had “categorically denied” participating in the attacks.
“UFOs” mentioned sarcastically
Despite the denials, the US embassy expressed strong skepticism toward the Russian explanation.
“Difficult to accept official Russian denials that Russian aircraft were not involved,” Vershbow wrote in comments included in the cable.
“To suggest that the aircraft may have been UFOs would be laughable were the violations not so serious.”
Tensions near Abkhazia
United24Media reported that the incidents occurred during renewed fighting in the Kodori Gorge involving Chechen fighters, Georgian irregular units and pro-Russian forces operating in Abkhazia.
According to Georgian Defence Ministry statements cited in the cable, multiple aircraft and helicopters crossed into Georgian territory and dropped bombs along mountain routes inside the gorge.
The documents also referenced Gudauta, a Russian-linked military facility in Abkhazia that US officials believed Moscow used to maintain pressure on Georgia.
Sensitive political moment
The cable reportedly warned that confirmation of Russian involvement could damage relations between Washington and Moscow ahead of a planned summit between the two countries.
United24Media noted that Russia continued denying responsibility for the strikes.
The Kodori Gorge remained disputed for years afterward before Russia gained full control of the area following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.
Sources: United24Media, declassified US diplomatic documents.
