Despite the political tensions and the occupation line that divides Georgia and South Ossetia, people on both sides continue to maintain contact through various means of communication.
The story of non-stop communication across the conflict zone reveals the human dimension of a frozen conflict that has lasted for more than a decade.
While official diplomatic channels remain largely frozen, ordinary people have found ways to stay in touch with friends, relatives, and business partners on the other side of the administrative boundary line.
Social media platforms, messaging apps, and mobile phones have become the primary means of communication across the divide.
Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, and other platforms allow people to maintain relationships that were established before the 2008 war.
"We talk every day," says Marina, a resident of Gori whose best friend lives in Tskhinvali. "The war couldn't break our friendship. We share everything - our joys, sorrows, family news."
Many families that were separated by the conflict use video calls to stay connected. Grandparents see their grandchildren grow up through smartphone screens.
Despite official restrictions, informal economic ties persist across the administrative boundary line.
Small-scale trade continues through various channels, often facilitated by personal relationships and trust built over years.
Agricultural products, household goods, and services are exchanged through networks that operate largely outside official oversight.
"Business doesn't recognize borders," explains a trader who preferred to remain anonymous. "People need goods and services, and we find ways to provide them."
Cultural and educational exchanges also continue in informal ways.
Students from both sides participate in online educational programs and cultural events.
Artists, writers, and musicians maintain professional relationships and collaborate on projects despite the political divide.
Language learning has become particularly popular, with people on both sides studying each other's languages through online platforms.
One of the most important areas of continued cooperation is healthcare.
Medical professionals on both sides share knowledge, consult on difficult cases, and sometimes arrange for patients to receive treatment across the administrative boundary line.
"Illness doesn't recognize political boundaries," says Dr. Giorgi, a physician in Gori. "We help each other whenever possible."
Emergency medical cases sometimes require special arrangements for transportation across the administrative boundary line.
Despite the persistence of these connections, maintaining communication across the divide is not without challenges and risks.
Political tensions can affect the safety of those who maintain cross-boundary contacts.
Technical issues, such as internet connectivity problems and mobile network coverage, can disrupt communication.
Legal and administrative barriers sometimes complicate efforts to maintain contact.
Many people on both sides see these continued connections as a foundation for eventual reconciliation and conflict resolution.
"As long as people keep talking to each other, there's hope," says Nana, a peace activist from Gori.
Civil society organizations on both sides work to facilitate dialogue and maintain channels of communication.
International organizations support people-to-people programs that help maintain and strengthen these connections.
The story of non-stop communication across the Georgian-South Ossetian divide demonstrates the resilience of human relationships in the face of political conflict.
While governments and politicians struggle to find solutions, ordinary people continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation.