- Reassert Russian dominance in the Caucasus region, which had historically been within the Russian sphere of influence and was seen as critical to Russia's national security.
- Prevent Georgia from moving closer to the West
and possibly joining organizations such as NATO, which Russia viewes os threatening its interests.
- Support and reinforce Russian separatist regimes already present in two Georgian regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which desired independent from Georgian control. Russia sought to protect ethnic Russiands populations residing in these separatists areas while expanding its footprint within Georgia territory.
- Demonstrate Russia's military might deterrence other former sovite state's from aligning themselves more with the West to maintain a buffer on it border.
- Distract attentions from internal political critiques
and consolidate President Vladimir Putin's power
amid criticism at home.
