Russian First Channel's correspondent in South Ossetia reported that South Ossetian troops launch a counteroffensive and unblocked the Zarsk highway connecting the breakaway republic with Russia, thus freeing the way for Russian forces.

Later, Russian tanks were shown moving along the highway.

Intensive shelling of Tskhinvali has been suspended, sources in South Ossetia say.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that killings of Russian citizens will not remain unpunished.