The Russian ultimatum, issued on 11 August 2008 by the commander of Russian peacekeeping forces in Abkhazia, Major General Sergei Chaban, called for Georgian troops to disarm in the Zugdidi district along the boundary with Abkhazia.[18] Russia stated, the ultimatum expired at 06:00 GMT. Sergei Chaban said, that the Russian troops were ready for an operation to disarm Georgian troops in the area.[28]