What happens when a small region’s leader quits to join Russia’s government?

A leader from South Ossetia—a tiny region inside Georgia—just stepped down to work for Russia’s president. Alan Gagloyev said he’s leaving immediately to take an advisory role in Moscow. His prime minister will now run the government there. Gagloyev mentioned a treaty signed last year between South Ossetia and Russia. He believes it will help move forward their goal of joining Russia someday. The area has only about 50, 000 people and broke away from Georgia after the Soviet Union fell in the early 1990s.Back in 2008, Russia and Georgia fought a short war over this region. Afterward, Russia recognized South Ossetia as independent, along with a few other countries. Georgia still considers it part of its territory. Officials in South Ossetia have talked about becoming part of Russia for years. But so far, no vote has been held to make it official. Moscow has supported their independence but hasn’t pushed for full annexation either.