Russian Soldiers in South Ossetia Living In 'Horrendous' Conditions

Human rights activists have expressed concern that Russian soldiers stationed in South Ossetia are living in "horrendous" conditions.

Ella Polyakova, chairwoman of the NGO Soldiers’ Mothers of St. Petersburg, made the comments to RFE/RL's Russian Service after she visited the region on December 21.

The activists say they will present the Defense Ministry and the Military Prosecutor-General’s Office with documentation of the troops' neglect, such as lack of food and water.

The Russian military entered South Ossetia in force in August during the Russian-Georgian conflict. A contingent of some 1,500 Russian peacekeepers were already stationed in South Ossetia before the war broke out.