A photo exhibition of the five-day war between Georgia and South Ossetia is opening in Moscow. The images were shot by the Ria Novosti news agency, whose correspondents and photographers were at work within hours of the conflict breaking out.

The exhibition, called ‘The habitat’, features 70 photographs by six photojournalists. All of them were there during the height of the fighting, working amidst shelling and tank attacks. They all gave interviews, which are also part of the display.

Ria spokesperson Anastasia Davydova said the main aim of the event was to inspire people ‘to join their efforts in order not to let a tragedy like that happen again’.

The exhibition will be open at Moscow’s State Central Museum of Contemporary Russian History until November 9.

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Tskhinval refugees sheltering at a camp in neighbouring North Ossetia, August 12, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

Anti-Georgia rally, Teatralnaya Square, Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, August 8, 2008. Photo by Vladimir Akoyeff.

Candlelit vigil for the victims at St George’s Church, Vladikavkaz, August 15, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

Jewish quarter in Tskhinval, South Ossetia. August 16, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

Destoroyed Russian peacekeepers’ base, Tskhinval, South Ossetia. August 16, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

Georgian refugees. August 16, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

Life amidst the ruins: Tskhinval, August 26, 2008. Photo by Renat Abdeyev.

Learning to cope: pupils at a Tskinval school, September 1, 2008. Photo by Andrey Arkhipov.

Russian soldiers and South Ossetian volunteers in the conflict zone, August 13, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.

City destroyed: Tskhinval after the Georgian military attack, August 13, 2008. Photo by Mikhail Fomichyov.