Tskhinvali (Georgian:ცხინვალი [t͡sxinvali]; Ossetian:Цхинвал; Russian:Цхинвал(и), Tskhinval(i)) is the capital of South Ossetia, a disputed region in Georgia which has been recognised as an independent Republic by Russia and another three UN members. South Ossetia is a de facto independent state that controls its claimed territory, in part with the support of Russian troops. Despite this, it is recognised by all other UN members as part of Georgia.