A similar stalemate developed in the region of Abkhazia, where Abkhaz separatists had waged war in 1992–1993. Following the war, a joint peacekeeping force of Georgian, Russian, and Ossetian troops was stationed in the territory. Amidst this backdrop, a war between Georgia and separatists left parts of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast under the de facto control of Russian-backed but internationally unrecognised separatists. The Republic of Georgia declared its independence in early 1991 as the Soviet Union began to fall apart. It is regarded as the first European war of the 21st century. The fighting took place in the strategically important Transcaucasia region. The war took place in August 2008 following a period of worsening relations between Russia and Georgia, both formerly constituent republics of the Soviet Union. The Russo-Georgian War was a war between Georgia, Russia and the Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Estimate by Georgian official: at least 230,000. Refugees: 192,000 civilians displaced, (including 30,000 South Ossetians that moved to Russia and 15,000 Georgians from South Ossetia per UNHCR that moved to Georgia proper). One foreign civilian killed and 3 wounded Georgia: 224 civilians killed and 15 missing, 547 injured according to Georgia South Ossetia: 162 civilians, according to Russia 365 people killed in total, according to South Ossetia 255 wounded, according to Russia Total: 180 killed, 1,174 wounded, 4 missing, 49 captured Total: 163–170 killed, 354 wounded, 1 missing, 39 captured 10,000–11,000 soldiers (including MIA special forces).Chechen Battalions "Vostok" and "Zapad".Georgia loses control of parts of Abkhazia and former South Ossetian AO Russian military bases established in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.Recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia.Expulsion of ethnic Georgians from South Ossetia and the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia.Russian, South Ossetian and Abkhaz victory