Caucasus 2008 were large-scale military maneuvers conducted by Russia in July 2008 close to its border with Georgia.
[1][2][3] The main forces involved were from the 58th Army from the North Caucasus Military District, and the Black Sea Fleet.
[3] At the time, Russia's stated objective for Caucasus 2008 was to improve combat skills in fighting terrorism in mountainous terrain, Russian tanks subsequently entered Georgia in August, starting the Russo-Georgian War.
[1] They were held in several regions of the Southern Federal District, including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay–Cherkessia.
[1] Following the maneuvers, the forces remained in place and were expanded to 80,000 personnel, of which 60,000 later took part in war operations.