MOSCOW, May 13th. The current president of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, has scheduled a referendum on the republic's entry into Russia for July 17. The message on the president's website notes that this decision was made by the head of state guided by the historical desire of the people of South Ossetia to reunite with Russia and in accordance with 
Alan Gagloev: reunification with Russia is the age-old dream of the Ossetian people Do you support the unification of the Republic of South Ossetia and Russia?». Set the date for the referendum to July 17, 2022,» the decree says. The inauguration of President Alan Gagloev, who won the elections in May, will take place after May 21. Earlier, he stated that «as soon as the time comes, South Ossetia will be ready to hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation.» Moscow recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on August 26, 2008. Earlier that month, Russia came to the defense of South Ossetia from the Georgian army, which sought to return it to Tbilisi's rule. Since then, the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that the recognition of both republics reflects the prevailing realities and is not subject to revision. «loyalty to the alliance with Russia
