Everything that happened in South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Georgia didn't start a week ago. Ossetia and Abkhazia had never been part of Georgia before USSR government decided to divide Ossetia in two parts and include south part and Abkhazia in Georgia. Now we have to be pay the terrible price for that.

Fedor Serebryakov, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

" would it be in our interest to have Georgia in NATO?"

Sure it would maybe not in your or not in interest of other Americans. But US president(or someone above) has his one plan, he is democracy elected, so he can do watever he want.

alex, moscow,

As an out of work journalist (I refuse to work for the State) let me speak truth in this freedom loving gazzette.

President Putin wants regime change in Georgia. He believes he alone can decide the fate of Georgians just as he does for us Russians.

Mikhail, Moscow,

To John, NY, USA
(Q:) "The USA is not stealing land from a sovereign nation!"

(A:) We don't have to. We just bribe every country with 3 Trillion dollars. That's your & my tax money were giving away. Have you ever researched how many dictators we have supported in dollars?

d. david, Anaheim, USA

People blame Russia for its attampt to keep its neighbours under control. How blind you are not to see that US is doing the same thing with all the world. Is there any war on our planet where US is not involved in? Do you really think they care about peace and democracy?
Beware Europe!

Nekruz Khamidov, Moscow, Russia

1) Russia declared that if Kosovo isn't Serbia than South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not Georgia. 2) Chechnya can't be really independent - it can be either American puppet like Georgia or remain in Russia. 3) Russian operation was not prepared - Russian army was very slow until better troops arrived.

Yuri Klitsenko, Moscow, Russia

So Russia has already broken the terms of the agreement it made with Mr Sarkozy (our modern-day Neville Chamberlain). No surprise there. He should have stepped off the plane waving a piece of paper to complete the effect. Russia has no tradition of democracy and respects only power not words.

Sebastian, Prague, Czech

Mario, San Diego, California, wrote: "If Russia is so adamant about the self-determination rights for people in South Osetia and Abkhazia, why does it apply different standards when it comes to the independence of Chechnya?"
1) Chechnya was always legal part of Russia; 2) Chechnya attacked Dagestan

DS, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation

Why do people still keep mentioning the 1500-2000 killed number at the start of the *war/invation/confrotation*? Mr Putin himself went out and changed this number to *a few dozen killed*.

Andreas, Kumla, Sweden

Everybody enjoying the olympics then?
The Russians chose now knowing that the western world would be too interested in a few gold medals than protecting Europe from Russian invasion, AND IT WORKED. Where are our politicians? They are on holiday. The Russians have proved they can steal anything.

M. Butler, Plymouth, UK

russia and georgia should bioth respect that fact that ossetians and Abkhazians wish to be independent but sadly I dont think that this is likely to happen. When the fighting started i felt sympathetic towards georgia, but now it seems that both russia and georgia are both equally in the wrong.

Nathan, Australia,

Europe's native population is no longer reproducing itself and passing on it's culture at the level necessary to sustain itself. It has opened the door wide to immigration. It is ripe for the plucking by the Moslems and Russians. Only a matter of time.

ereilad, Radcliff, USA

Ok, so Russia were the aggressor? What next? Condeming Palestinian children for using their bodies to damage Israeli bullets?

A Thorn, London,

USA has weight of the problems which they should settle! Citizens of the USA deserve greater attention, than to them renders the government of their country! Now 21 century, and politicians of the USA till now think as during cold war! It is finished for a long time!
It is necessary to converse, find more outputs from problems in negotiations!

Andrey, Moscow, Russia

Mr. Saakashvili for the whole world plays on the chamber the unfortunate role while the puppeteer sits in the white house in Washington in a convenient soft armchair and pulls strings. As are cynical applications of the Georgian president look - it turns out all on the contrary! In Osetia have been killed more than 2000 peace citizens(old men, women and children) ; more than 70 peacemakers! mr. Saakashvili and the management of Georgia should be responsible for these victims before world community and world court! All people have the right for a life irrespective of the nation!

Tomara, Moscow, Russia

I had a relaxed Cold War, as I did not believe that the US and Russia would go to war. I still don`t believe they would. However, I do have real concerns about a United Europe, with its aims of a police and military force to cover it all. Will the US missle bases end up being taken over by them?

margie, victoria, australia

Georgia started this conflict, and Saakashvili must be held responsible for the genocide of Ossetian people. The Georgians reported today that 175 Georgians have died in the conflict (mostly soldiers). But 2000 civilians have been murdered by the Georgians in Ossetia. Who is the real aggressor?

Konstantin, Waco, USA

"Because Chechnya invaded Dagestan. Why did not you know that?"

DIdn't happen until the second Chechen war. Doesn't explain the first does it?

David Richards, Witham, UK

Saakashvili gave a war but his sponsors didn't come,
Saakashvili would be another Jugashvili if he could.
Now Saakashvili finds himself sitting on his bum,
His armour and sword turned out to be made of wood.
Quack, quack, quack - the bumbling lame duck
And the Black Beauty are just as common as muck

Rajiv Ranjan Rawat, Moscow, Russia.

The reason why russia reacted so fast is that the government and the army is nowhere near it was 10 years ago. Russia will never make the mistakes of the past when it comes to the humane rights of the mankind.

Sergei, MOSCOW, RF

Fritz Milligan, Columbus, Ohio, USA – Certainly Russia expected Saakashvili to start the war and informed US about that. In addition Russia said Georgia to inform about its preparations. Moreover Russian army exercised several times near Georgian boards to show own readiness.

Alexey, Moscow,

The Russian mag Ogonyok reported 3 weeks ago that Russian miltary convoys carrying supplies are steraming, day and night, to Abkhazia. Is more proof needed that there was a well planned and prepared provocation against Georgia? Russian population is dying out but Putin is playing
the Great Game.

Felix, Mountain View, USA, CA

It's very sad that people blaming Russia for all sins think only about fuel and their own ill will. What about victims? You've forgotten about killed children, women, old men, killed by Georgia. Today is the mourning day in Russia, Georgian president didn't even ask for forgiveness his citizens.

Marina, Kazan, Russia

Mario, San Diego, California, wrote: "If Russia is so adamant about the self-determination rights for people in South Osetia and Abkhazia, why does it apply different standards when it comes to the independence of Chechnya?"
Because Chechnya invaded Dagestan. Why did not you know that?

Maxim, St. Petersburg, Russia

TO: Krystof, Warszawa, Poland
If Russia starts skulldigging, I don't think Poland will come out as a peace-loving nation. Remeber Poland incursions to Russia in 1500-1600, when your side was trying to install puppets in Moscow kingdom... Don't go there, everyone has skeletons, Poland is no exception

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

It seems like the west (UK and US especially) are repeating the story that Georgia was attacked in the hope that eventually they'll overcome reality and everyone will buy it.

Unfortunately our media are so dumb I think they will, I'm feeling like I'm living in a "evil empire" now.

Gareth, Tonbridge, UK

Well, I suppose we've just seen yet another Russia's heroic bid to liberate the Caucasus from caucasians.

James, Northampton, UK

In the 21st century support should not necessarily mean to join the fight as soon as you can hear war noise. There's no sense in risking a third world war when diplomacy should have it's call.

Barbara, Heidelberg, Germany

It's not Europe! Georgia is in ASIA. If we allow Kosovo to secede from Serbia with foce why can't we accept Abhazia seceding from Georgia with force?

Peter German, St Helier,

Yes, Russia did see it coming. Georgia was staging military exercises at the borders of separatist regions with the help of U.S. and Israeli advisors for 6 months now!

Daniel, Brooklyn, U.S.

This entire situation is a shame, of course. All war is.

But as long as Georgia remains a sovereign, democratic nation, I think we can all live with some areas of Georgia that have a large majority of ethnic Russian residents seceding from Georgia and joining Russia.

RJ, Palm Bay, USA

> Why did U.S. not see it coming and give warning?

And what did you expect from "mighty" US to do? To send its troops to South Osetia to help Saakashvili waste russian people? It seems to me that era when US could do everything it wanted has comed to its logical end. Try to manage your own country.

Dimitry, Moscow, Russia

Bob of San Antonio.

As a grassroots European I ask please don't do any more spending or dying in Iraq "on our behalf". Get out.

Luigi, Monaco,

I understand you Krister from Stockholm. After all both tribes Vandals and Russ originally come from Sweden. Give them Nobel Pace Price.

Krystof, Warszawa, Poland

If the western governments and citizens are so sad to see total annihilation of Georgian troops then why didn't they go and fight? The simple answer is they have to fight Russia - major power, a nation which did not surrender to the Nazis when one after another European countries were falling.

Ali, Bombay, India

whilst the uk and usa condemn russia lets not forget the nato bombing of belgrade in 1999 which left 500 civilians dead and more injured not to mention us acton in iraq and vietnam.We ought to be very nervous who joins nato

david, gosport, england

If it was a well-planned operation by Russia then Tskhinvali (the capital of South Ossetia) would have been liberated much sooner from Georgian forces. The units of Russian 58 army that entered to prevent genocide in South Ossetia were very uncoordinated and unprepared due to urgency of situation.

Oleg, London, UK

the Georgian attack on South Ossetia was more than a provocation. it was a deadly attack, and it was a big strategic mistake. would it be in our interest to have Georgia in NATO? Do we want to go to war with Russia, because Saakaschvili decides to go for it.

Carl J., Tokyo , Japan

Do you think the journalists could be any less impartial?

One side of the story and if balanced out with other situations related to more western friendly nations the current Russia / Georgia situation is no different.

The carcass of the Cold War still has a pulse....

matthew, Sydney,

The U.S lost because it showed it's weakness. Georgia is no ally of the EU, it might be joining NATO (an american influenced orgainization) but the EU is a completely different thing. We can't let anybody who wishes join! Ultimately this war had no winners...

Tom, London, UK

Didn't Stalin draw Georgia's borders? Why should borders drawn by a totalitarian over half a century ago remain frozen in time?

If the people of Abkhazia and South Ossetia want to leave Georgia and join Russia, why is it the USA's business, or the EU's?

Reggie, Melbourne, USA

Russians did the RIGHT thing. Period.
Apply the same standard as KOSOVO. Georgian president should be tried for WAR CRIMES just like what NATO did to Milosovic. No double standards please. For all those Georgians, dogs get crushed when elephants come running. No ethnic clensing should be allowed.

prasad, Falls Church, USA

Georgia over-trusted that USA will advance to fight for it; USA took it granted that it can irritate Russia anytime and anywhere. But Russia will no more tolerate such nasty designs by USA with support from EU. Better pack off from the border of Russia and find mutually agreeable solution.

S K Das, Delhi, India

So many "democrats", but no humans. Every Russian region receives today hundreds of injured refugees from Osetia. And USA is very rich to support freaky presidents to kill people. Americans, do mind? Is that what you're paying taxes for?

Marina, Cheboksary, Russia

In some way I think Georgia is right - not in blasting civilians but for trying to re-establish authority over a territory technically still its own. But Russia invading Georgia proper? US invaded Iraq because it threatened regional stability - Georgia could never threaten collosus Russia.

John, Brisbane,

It's funny to see how those from the former Soviet republics and states, brainwashed by their nationalistic government, are trying to brainwash the Western people and convince them that Russia is Dark Side of the Force. It's called lauching of the international dissension, guys. It's against the law

Krister, Stockholm, Sweden

It is obvious that the coordinated Russian attack by land, naval and air forces on two fronts was planned well in advance. This clearly was not a spontaneous response to a Georgian provocation. Why did U.S. not see it coming and give warning? Another shocking intelligence failure?

Fritz Milligan, Columbus, Ohio, USA

To those who think the US is their ally, and will protect them from all evils ... read the opening lines of this report and weep.

To those who thought to strike while the world watched the Peking circus and get away with it....Tough

John, Adelaide, Australia

Why does everybody say the US lost. This is in the backyard of Europe and they stand to lose the most by Moscow reaserting it power westward. Where is the united EU and the show of EU power, or wasn't that part of this great union. I guess Russian gas trumps borders.

Al , Tracy , CA, USA

Western world is still in the position of cold war. They still consider Russia the enemy. People, stop deceiving yoursel. Russia is poweful and independent enough to ingore all your efforts to rend the air. Kazakhstan supports Russia in its actions and attitude.

Valery Belyayev, Astana, Kazakhstan

Georgia's CIA backed puppet leader cold heartedly lulled S Ossetia folks with talks of peace hours before he attacked them... timing invasion with precision while Putin was in Beijing. Mercenaries apparently helped Georgia. Russia's quick response was not anticipated.

indignant, denver, usa

Dr andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada – Definitely Stalin (Dzhugashvili) vas born in Gori; however he is Kartvelian (Georgian) exactly although with a quarter of Ossetian blood. Therefore he even established South Ossetian autonomy district in Georgia and did not repress them unlike many other Caucasian nationalities. In 1991 between first acts of new independent country Georgia was cancellation of autonomies.

Alexey, Moscow,

I'm sure Nato will be studying the Russian tactics,and arms used in invading Georgia,but from the pictures I see that the Russian army is using old tanks and armored vehicles( the T72 tanks are 30+ years old).Even the troop carrying trucks,jeeps and ambulance minivans are from the 1960s.

Sam, Dallas, USA

John, UK, and others, Russians telling truth, because, we have no to hide or lie, - we just saves lifes of civilians and peacekeepers from the bloody aggression of Georgia. There was not other aims. Hope, that soon, it will be clearly known to everyone. Why you massmedia so unobjective?

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

I was/am a Cold Warrior, BUT Russia always was a "great power." The period since the Soviet collapse is exceptional. Russia feels encircled; NATO, once 1,200 miles from its border, is now 60. The U.S. wants every European nation, and former Soviet republic, in NATO and ignores all Russian concerns.

Walter, East Hampton, USA

i guess im the one of the few americans that supports what russia did

josh, ft myers, florida

That was what the tea pot calling the kettle black. US has long lost the moral authority to condemn Russia's action. I am exceptionally this time on the side of Russia. Georgians had themselves to blame when they elected a opportunist as president. Who plays with fire will get burned.

Phung, Houston, USA

No, it just stole $20 billion of oil-for-food money from the Iraqi people. Oh, and the rights to the oil in the country. And along with it's allies it has killed well over a million Iraqis and caused 4 million refugees. Yep, we sure have the moral high-ground...

Tim Foster, Cambridge, England

It is deplorable that noone in the mainstream media cares about the Ossetians and their human rights - why are they pro-Russian and anti-Georgian? I am embarassed - our little dumb bully starts a fight with the big nasty Russian bully by beating a small kid and noone cares about the kid. Shame on us

Dimiter, St. Paul, USA

Amazing, when the USSR broke up nobody had a problem with Republics becoming independent. But now, after the Soviets made tons of bogus dealings in appropriating lands to each SSR, you all accuse RF of being imperialistic. Why didn't anybody demand it all revert back to Russia, maybe US of Russia?

PT, Portland, OR, USA

I live in Alabama. I am tired of the USA getting into every conflict of the world. I do not want my tax money to support or fight every crazy regime in the world including the sick, crazy Georgian president. Let that corrupt Georgians, Polish, Ukrainians... manage their crazy businesses themselves.

vlad, Huntsville, USA

This forced Georgia to retaliate and so gave Russia the opportunity to invade. Russia were the aggressors and this gave them the opportunity to overthrow the Georgian goverment whilst leaving the west confused. Luckily the USA weren't easily fooled and Bush's strong words prevented this.

John, UK, UK

Ossetia - the only thing worse than being invaded by Germany, is being rescued by Russia.

Guy, Sydney, Australia

Hey! Under Ceasefire Agreement 1994, signed by President of Georgia and Abhkazia, russian peacekeepers has fully right to use the force if they will be atacked by other side in safety zone. So what are you talking about? Im crying for all casuilties, georgians and ossetians

Dmitry, Vladivostok, Russia

Mr. Saakashvili achieved all his objectives in that. Fast track to NATO/EU, financial infusions (weaponry to follow) and overvhelming support from the westen democracies. US military analysts think he was not expecting quick Russia response. Ha, he was counting on it. Too bad Russia took the bait.

Seva, Boston, USA

There was economic life and relative peace in separatist Georgia before Saakashvili waged a war of opportunity. Russia's response was tough but just. At least much more just than the US invasion of Iraq, a nation which had never attacked us! Bush opened a Pandora's Box for unilateral warfare.

HIdeki, Oregon, USA

Lets hope Georgia will think twice next time they want to be America's Puppet.

John, London, England

How many people from South Ossetia region are screaming 'genocide'? While the region is pro-Russian, there were almost no militants to conquer. Only unarmed civilians who had an opinion about their government and disagreed with the way things are run - for this they were slaughtered by the 100s .

Daniel, Sydney, Australia

What about Chechnya? Didn't you know that when Chechnya gained its independence it then went on to attack Dagestan?

How about this: if the U.S. and England are so adamant about the sovereignty, "independence" and territorial integrity of Georgia, then why don't they leave Serbia and Iraq alone?

Alex, Toronto, Canada

You guys can say whatever you want, but now they will be just words. Putin won one more. This guy is the best leader alive. He, again, made us look like clowns. What we got to oppose him? Russians are swimming in oil and gas. They got us. Without their gas and oil, Europe and the US will die...

John, Miami, FL, USA

Stalin was an Ossetian Georgian born in Gori.

Beria was a Mingrelian born in Merkheuli, near Sukhumi in Abkhazia.

Will the Ossetians and Abkhazians ever be allowed 'self determination' free from Russian and Georgian influence....move in non NATO 3rd parties China, Brazil, Indian to oversee?

Dr andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada

If you play with fire you get burnt. Georgia attacked and then were hammered. If Georgia had been successful would the West have objected to the death and suffering caused? Unlikely. Which just goes to show the nauseating levels of hypocrosy and self-deception involved.

Chris, Hongkong,

Two victories here by the Russians. Firstly, they booted the Georgians out of south Ossetia. Secondly, and a more significant victory, is the exposure of the folly of having the US as an ally.
The US demonstrated a weak hand here and it won't be forgotten by other 'allies'.

Rob, Sydney, Australia

It's very true what this article says in the first paragraph - that this war has "left Georgia and its Western backers weakened".

This disaster is the final masterpiece by Bush-Cheney and their unpresentable ally Saakashvili.

Paolo, Rome, Italy

I think its time for us in the West to stop being hypocritical. Lets be clear who started the fighting, Saakashvili as a diversion to draw attention way from the dreadful state of the Georgian economy. And lets us also be clear now what a bad precedent our recognition of Kosovo has set for Russia

Grayson Clarke, Beijing, China

Let’s all be grateful to President Sarkozy and Europe for their peace plan.

Paolo, Rome, Italy

Some Georgian’s media try to inform about that locals: there is a special military division in Georgia to wear Russian army uniform. There are Baltic countries and Western Ukraine volunteers speaking in Russian. People in Georgia to reveal that expect the division can be used for mass killing Georgian peasants to film for western media.

Alexey, Moscow,

Georgia had every right in its attempt to take back its territory from the resurrected Soviet empire. The invasion of Georgia, a sovereign country, by the blood-thirsty dictatorship of Russia is very chilling indeed. All nations should now doubly guard themselves against Russia's gaze.

John, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

John

How can you say that the US is not stealing land from a sovereign nation? When the US invaded Iraq on the false WMD claim, Iraq was a sovereign country. US troops are still over there for OIL!
Ossetians and Abkhaz will ask for independance or to join Russian federation if you let them vote

Reno, Paris,

With the Sudentenland, Hitler had his enablers: Chamberlain, Édouard Daladier and Roosevelt. With Georgia, Putin has his enablers: Brown, Sarkozy, Bush and Georgia. What's the difference? History is clear that those who want peace at any price and without honor, eventually cost even more lives.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

I am not sure if president Mikheil Saakashvili is with Russia or with America, but its definitely not with Georgia.

Samuel Maviso, Leicester, UK

georgia and ukraine have to be admitted to nato, immediately if not sooner. the russians are always going to try to exert their control over the countries they feel they should be controlling. If the russians want to bully countries, let them try to bully Britain, America and Canada.

will, grimsby, uk

If Russia is so adamant about the self-determination rights for people in South Osetia and Abkhazia, why does it apply different standards when it comes to the independence of Chechnya?

Mario, San Diego, California,

South Ossetia is Geogian territory under control of seperatists, they have every right to try to take back control of their own territories. Russia has no buisness being involved in an internal matter. I'm also embarrassed by my own countrymen who bad mouth democracy just to appear as noncomforming

Adam , Providence RI, USA

Georgia has attacked innocent people who want only self determination. Russia is right to teach them a lesson. Bush and the rest of the West have taken a position that is difficult to understand. I am an American, and a Southerner.

John, Mississippi, USA

Russians constantly repeat that Stalin was a Georgian. It's deeply unfair. Stalin was not dangerous as a Georgian boy, but a bolshevik leader. Georgia rejected bolshevism in 1918, but then Russia imposed the bolshevik rule over that country among many others. Thus take Stalin home - to Kremlin.

Piotr, Warsaw, Poland

I love how people on this forum read 1 story about what's happening and all of a sudden become an expert in geopolitics.
I think everyone is to blame in this incident but Russia mostly. They are nasty land grabbers. Don't compare this to Iraq. The USA is not stealing land from a sovereign nation!

John, New York , USA

Georgia strikes first killing 2000 civilians during their sleep.Saakshivilli parades his innocent army to russian bear. and ashames them by forcing them to flee.Imagine if he was a soldier how will be his self esteem.Irony the western media criticizes Russia and not US/Uk for their valour in IRAQ.

Kannan, Bolton, UK

Just let Ossetians and Abkhaz people choose for themselves. Let *them* vote - independence, Russia or Georgia and respect their choice after.
That's exactly what they (and Russia) wanted all those 16 years.

Slava, Moscow, Land of Balalaikas and Bears

Just some info for those, who interested in the situation. Georgia doesn’t have oil or gas deposits, but it has pipeline from Azerbaijan to Turkey. This pipeline doesn’t functioning at the moment because of one or several explosions on Turkish territory.

Dmitry, Moscow, Russia

Describing Saakashvili as a loyal US ally is akin to decribing Mugabe as a loyal British ally. Saakashvili is guilty of genocide and started his ethnic cleansing with the permission of the US. The defeat of Georgia is a defeat of the US.

Dayahka, Aberdeen, USA

Georgians paid a high price for peace but they haven't had their capital sacked and they seem united and defiant so in some ways they seem stronger then ever.

It is certain nations in Eruope that seem unbelievably weaker then ever.

Tony, Los Angeles, USA

Putin has been itching to get stuck into Georgia. This is not the first time Putin has interfered in the internal affairs of a previous state of the USSR. Once an agent of the KGB always an agent of the KGB. He has destroyed democracy in Russia and those who support his nationalistic ideals.

Glen, Johannesburg,

It's enough to see, who started the fire, to understand who is agressor.
For all, who's afraid of Russia, look: we don't want Georgian:
1) territory, as the region is too problematic :(
2) gas, as we have enough :)
And if someone starts to kill your people, I wish you government act, like ours!

Sasha, St.Petersburg, Russia

This article underlines what a victory this has been for the Georgian government, they have clearly won the PR war. We must not forget that it was in fact the Georgians who provoked the Russians into war after a long war of words. The Russians are by no means innocent, but neither are the Georgians.

Gullik, Oslo, Norway

Please don't judge Russia by reference to ancient history. It is no longer messianic or ruled by bloodthirsty Georgian Bolsheviks. Give us some time to grow our middle class, and you'll see a perfectly 'normal' nation. Until then, don't kill our nationals by the thousand and don't steal our gas.

Anatoly, Moscow,

"In a televised address, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has vowed to restore Tbilisi's control over what he called the "criminal regime" in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and reinforce order."
Well they did their best, you can give them that. They should have bought even more RM-70 to finish it.

George, Cluj,

It is inconcievable that so many comments seem to ignore the fact that it was Georgian troops who attacked Tsklinvali that started off this battle. I am a "Westerner" but am surprised that so many people comment without bothering to read the facts.

Trevor Greenwood, Vancouver, Canada

I am a grassroots american from Texas. I say as my fellow Americans. We should leave all of Europe, Asia and the world for that matter to fend for themselves. We don't want to give our money away any more in moranic deals to save this country or that. America is tired of paying & dying for you

Bob, San Antonio, TX, USA

Gin, Vilnius , Lithuania - I see nothing in international law that allows a country (Georgia in this instance) to attack a province at night and aim at civilians, raze a city and many villages to the ground, push women and children into barns and set them on fire, and shoot down fleeing civilians.

Vera Chevrolet Hart, Geneva, Switzerland

Dan, in Ukraine and Estonia there are no peacekeepers on duty, and Kaliningrad luckily is not being shelled in the middle of the night by heavy artillery alike Tshinvali,so luckily there peace now. Hope it won't change. And let's not forget we all live in the world where propaganda washes our brains

Igor, Moscow, Russia

You saying that Russia will start invading other post-USSR countries are crazy. You understand nothing! You never lived neither in Russian nor in any post-USSR countries. It can happen only if Ukraine by some reason will start killing Russian-speaking citizens or Ukraine. But this will never happen

Andrei, Brest, Belarus

Us UK citizens should stop making fun of Americans who we constantly taunt about knowing nothing about the world. Our news blame Russia for the fighting and we believe it. Yet they only responded to an offensive from Georgia.

Russia did nothing wrong. Is our media really so free and fair??

Will C, London,

After all this mess, Russia comes out admirable. Georgia is increasingly seen as the aggressor, making a stupid tactical error. Let that be a lesson to all who resort to violence to solve problems.

James, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Governments of West Countries are blind again (1920, 1939) - Russia pretends to protect their citizens, in fact Russia tends to: 1. take control of alternative source of gas and oil from Azerbeigan and Georgia; 2. show its imperial power and no respect to normal, modern civilisation standards.

Stefan, Kielce, Poland

If any side has effected ethnic cleansing they should be held liable. The USA hypocritic cries about international laws & sovereignty of Georgia are only laughable when they are Gold medalists in ignoring the United Nations and international rule of law.

How about Kosovo? Cyprus? Iraq? Panama?

Peter, Nicosia, Cyprus

Does Georgia have the responsibility to protect the lives and welfare of all its citizens? Be they ethnic Georgians or Russians? How long have the Russians been in S. Ossetia? When does a state loose its legit? Washington should revisit its conceptual framework and charter before it gets more mired.

Costas E. Ioannou, Limassol, Cyprus

The conscequences of this skirmish are yet to be seen.. don't pop the Champagne bottle as yet. Russian enemies ( Ukraine, Georgia, Lithuania, Estonia, )will probably arm themselves to the teeth and it will not be so easy next time.

Brendan, Stutgart, Germany

The international law is one the Georgian side.

Gin, Vilnius , Lithuania

Let's give the people of S. Ossetia and Abkhazia free referendum to decide which state they would like to be part of. Whether they would like to join RUSSIA, GEORGIA or establish a independent republic. That is the best way to measure what the people of these regions want.

Naleen Lal, Northern California,

Which country will Russia walk over and into next week - and the week after?

With no significant resistance - Russia can easily re-occupy all the old Soviet bloc countries - and no one will lift a finger.

Looking at the map, my guess is Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and maybe Belarus? Easy.

Bob Brown, Carlsbad, USA, California

S. Ossetia and Abkhazia want to be Russians. S. Ossetia had a democratic election 15 years ago and 95% showed up and 98% voted to be Russian and not Georgian.
Is this the democracy that is being stifled, Mr Bush?

Russia has been very reasonable and fair. Georgia is a puppet regime of Israel/US!

D.A., Dallas, USA

I feel it is admirable Russia came swiftly to prevent more genocide among their area they were peace keepers of who it was Georgia who slaughtered not the other way.

I found it atrocious Bush flew Georgia troops in from Iraq.

Did Georgia get Diebold voting machines for their "democracy"?

Arielle, Ashland, U.S.

The West has paid a modest price for learning what Russia has become as its nascent freedom and democracy have aborted. Now we know we face a dictatorship bent on aggression to reclaim what the Soviet Empire lost. NATO will revitalize; Europe will arm; the U.S. become realistic. Priceless clarity.

Walter, East Hampton, USA

Lets see, USA invades Iraq, Russia invades Georgia, both have oil in the ground on in the pipe line.
Whats the big difference?
Jim, usa

jim, Checotah, USA

how come south ossetia doesn't want to be province of georga but wants to be a province of russia?
i would have thought they would want their own country by joining with north ossetia. looks like out of the small frying pan called georgia and into the large fire called russia....

ben sutherland, kirkcaldy, scotland

In fact it doesnt matter who started military actions. Russia tryed to protect its nationals or its neigbours - and was condemned by leading developed states. This story will continue for ages (i hope). Big russian bear frightened all civilised people as usual.

Artem, Arkhangelsk, Russia

Whatever Russia does, the West will always condemn it! Saakashvili is a direct successor of Josef Stalin. Do not forget that Stalin and Lavrenti Beria, one of the darkest people of the 20th century were Georgians! It is Georgia which is obliged to respond for their crimes!!!

Eva, Moscow, Russia

Let's not forget it was Georgia that began the war. The airstrikes of the capital of SO killed more than 1500 people. Nobody in Russia wants this war, neighter Putin nor ordinary people

Dmitry, Moscow, Russia

Kate , how do you know that Gori was not bombed, were you there?
Gerard, one suspects that the Ossetians, North and South ,would prefer to be free from both Russians and Georgians as would the Abkhazians, but will never be given the opportunity.
Chekists are already Dacha hunting in Abkhazia.

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada.

Why comentators from West forgeting what they done in Iraq and Afganistan. UK and US not far behind Russia.

Raimund, Kent, UK

Let's not forget Russia has more of its citizens abroad ''that need defending'' and more of this will come when Russia cannot engage in normal political debate. Who's next Ukraine, Estonia? Or maybe they can spark a military action regarding Kaliningrad a place they have occupied after WW2?

Dan, London,

Russian forces did NOT bomb Gori.. It is nonsense.

Kate, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

To the best of my knowledge the majority of people in South Ossetia do not want to be part of Georgia. Georgia made the first move to occupy South Ossetia so why does the West jump to condemn Russia? Remember the Falklands.

Gerard, Belfast, Northern Ireland

shame on you russia

mehmet, kars, turkey

Russian authorities undoubtedly showed a lot of pity for Ossetians (as they did for Chechens) by risking Ossetians' lives when systematically ingniting Georgian gunpower barrel in the big emperial game. Well, as bolshevicks (and apparently checkist Putin) liked to remark - goals justify the means.

Anton, Kiev, Ukraine

The Russian bullying Bear on the march again for territorial conquests. For them might is right , What happened to peaceful coexistence and friendly talks and so forth.

faqi, London, UK