The death of a South Ossetian soldier in the North Ossetian Military District sparked a debate on social media.

Some social media users, including commenters with Ukrainian and Georgian surnames, responded with glee to the news that a fighter from South Ossetia had been killed in the SVO zone. Their opponents expressed condolences to the family and called for humanity.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," the funeral of Ramaz Eldzarov, killed in the SVO zone, took place in Tskhinvali. In total, at least 52 combatants from South Ossetia were killed in the fighting in Ukraine.

The news of a fighter from South Ossetia killed in the SVO zone had garnered at least 257 comments on the Caucasian Knot Facebook page* by 1:02 PM Moscow time.

The comments below the news are dominated by malicious reactions, significantly more common than words of sympathy. Moreover, users with Ukrainian and Georgian first and last names are often among the authors of such responses.

Many users interpret the incident through the prism of their attitude toward military action, citing participation in it as the cause of death and emphasizing that the actions took place outside the deceased's home region. Some commenters question the meaning of phrases like "defender of the Fatherland."

"What does 'defender of the Fatherland' mean?" - for example, wrote Dmitrii Bodashko.

A noticeable group of comments perceives death as a logical outcome of participation in military operations. Such comments lack empathy, focusing instead on cause and effect.

Some users express outright approval of the incident, formulating it as "good news." Such assessments are accompanied by brief emotional reactions.

Some discussions revolve around geography and the appropriateness of participation in the conflict, with users emphasizing the distance between regions. These comments convey a sense of bewilderment. "It seems like South Ossetia is far from Ukraine," writes Amir Ashraf.

Some participants resort to sarcastic language and mundane comparisons, attempting to downplay the events. Such comments are often ironic.

There are also comments discussing the fate of the deceased's family, but without expressing sympathy, rather as a statement of the consequences. This underscores the overall tone of the discussion.

"Three children were left without a father, and they were given a medal, and that's it," wrote Gia Tsereteli.

Some users speak out against schadenfreude and try to urge restraint, reminding everyone that joy over death is unacceptable. These comments stand out from the crowd.

"You can't rejoice in someone else's grief," wrote Alla Bestaeva.

"Everyone will be tested by their own judgment," said Alena Sabanova.

"Which God do you pray to?" - asks Angela Kasayeva.

In a number of comments, the discussion devolves into arguments between users, with dialogues punctuated by mutual accusations and polarized assessments.

"Those who rejoice in the misfortune of others will face it themselves," wrote Valera Kochiev.

Some users express sympathy and write the traditional words of support, although such comments are noticeably fewer. They contrast with the prevailing tone.

"Eternal memory, my condolences to the family," wrote Svetlana Kounitskaia.

"I feel very sorry for the family," noted Kaha Kabulov.

Contract soldiers from South Ossetia stated on social media about the lack of real support.

The pro-government news agency IA "Res" reports on the funerals of participants in the military operation in Ukraine. According to the "Caucasian Knot" count, at least 52 residents of South Ossetia are among the dead.

News reports on the funerals of soldiers and the awarding of participants in the military operation mention that the authorities are ready to provide them with all possible support. "The President noted that the republic's leadership is always ready to provide the necessary assistance and support in resolving any issues related to supporting soldiers and their families," the news agency reported on January 8. Social media users complained that contract soldiers who do not have Russian citizenship are left without support measures in South Ossetia after completing their service. I personally served two six-month contracts in the Alania volunteer assault battalion, carrying out combat missions honestly and to the end. There were many South Ossetians in our unit—people like me, without Russian citizenship, who, upon returning home, will be left without status, without benefits. We receive no housing, no compensation, no rehabilitation—nothing that Russian veterans of the SVO are entitled to. The war is already in its fourth year, and in South Ossetia there is still not a single state support program for those who actually fought. President Gagloev came to our battalion, hugged us, "He promised that 'no one would be forgotten' and that 'veterans are the state's priority.' But time passed, and it became clear these were just words for the cameras. No action. No decisions. No concrete assistance," the Bonvarnon Telegram channel quoted one of the combatants as saying on November 12, 2025.