cameron why didn't you visit south ossettia and get a view from another side.thanks topler from moscow for your photos.cameron if you have any spare time maybe you can read about Amanda Kokoeva an american visiting her family in ossettia who was cut off in an interview with an american news channel.

john, newcastle, uk

Such a populist article!
Come on! Who will lose if Russian are not allowed to come and do shopping in the UK? Russians?
I agree with other comments regarding double standards. It is such a typical example!

Alex Baumann, Stockholm, Sweden

At the moment there is a drastical flow of refugees from the South Ossetia to Russia (~30,000 people).Guess why they don't want to go to Georgia. Tskhinvali was ruined utterly by Georgian artillery. About 2000 people were killed. That's why South Ossetia would never agree to become a part of Georgia

Marina, Chanhassen,

David Cameron - please define the term 'vibrant democracy' .
From what we have gathered, Saakashvili has been trying his best to destroy any semblance of Democracy in Georgia.
Please do your homework !!

Jon, bristol, uk

What would have stopped Hitler? Courage and the will to defeat injustice -which we have little of. Europe and America will not respond because they are comfortable in their assumptions that freedom is their right paid for by American fighting men-not Germans or French. dorothy

dorothy, hot springs,ar, usa

US & UK response should comprie the development of new weapons technology that will bankrupt the Russian economy one again.

Richard, Bucharest
-
Richard, now it is US on the brink of bakruptcy (see foreign debt) . And most of the bonds are in chinese "civilized"hands...

Leonard, Sardinia,

1 - What war against Ukraine, Georgia and other our neighbors are you talking about? they are our brothers, we could fight with US, but not with them.
2 - Russia is not Iraq. it wouldn't be a 2 week trip,I assure you)))

Olga, Saint Petersburg,

western hipocrosy and double standards is unbeleivable.

has everyone forgotton about american and british occupation of iraq and afghanistan.

its ok for bush and blair et al to invade, murder, rape and pillage other peoples land but when someone else does it, then it becomes wrong !!

jack, birmingham,

"Democracies" such as Georgia deserve everything they get from Russia and more if they go into their provinces to kill and maim their citizens. Poor Europe, see what Kosovo independence has done.

Craig Penniston, Chicago ILL,

Euros will do what they do best. Appease.

zqll, Dallas, Texas, USA

the past is our future it seems some never learn evil wins when good men do nothing.some of you are truly blind or extremely nieve maybe just selfish.alot of death in iraq &afghanistan but have you been there?do you know what it was like before.evil leaders.freedom theyll haveit we do get some.pray!

matthew copen, elizabeth west virginia, united states

Er... no, Charles from Salisbury. Why not invite more young Russians here, so that at least some of them can pick up our ideas? After all, where was Saakashvili educated?

Al, Moscow,

All very nice. Lot's of talk, but who will bell the cat?

Peter Cressall, La Lucila, Argentina

The 'ruling classes' also send their kids to American & European universities. Stop them coming and if they don't like it tell them to ring Putin up and say so!

Charles, Salisbury, UK

I guess that if the "vibrant democracy" was guilty in even 10 or 100 deaths of not Russian, but British or US innocent civilian citizens mr. Cameron would call it another name. So I see at least a thousand dead Russian citizens are of no account to mr Cameron. Nice arithmetics!

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

How can we dare to fault Russias lack of democracy whilst the UK lives under exactly the same critrea.
We even have a simimilar KGB as our local councils can tap your phone and emails .
This Russian v Georgia affair is now a political game with us being the pawns.

tanzer, leeds, uk

the only reason russia invaded georgia is the missile shield treat .who believes the us when they pretend it to be considered a protection against
rogue state missile treats.Putin repeatedly stated that russia would make his conclusions and that a russian reaction could be expected.

jack peeters, antwerp, belgium

Common sense needed. We sent an army to put down Russia's revolution, we surrounded them with missiles and now want their neighbours members of Nato. It's dangerous and it's the West that keeps pushing. Talk, deal, give some ground and take some. Less blind US led agression.
John C Liverpool

john C, Cork, Ireland ex Liverpool

I love how the US & UK governments differentiate between Russia's military intervention in Georgia & their own military shambles in Iraq & Afghanistan by using the keyword "democratic country". Invasion is invasion, be it of a democratic country or a country governed by a dictator! (Methinks)

Mota, Swansea,

Just a couple of quotes for Cameron to think over:

"People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election."

"The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia."

both by Otto von Bismarck (1815 - 1898)

Andrew, Canada,

Quote: "Georgia ... a vibrant democracy..."

Did no one follow the latest "elections" in Georgia? Saakashvili only won through manupilation and miscounting votes. These elections were far from fair, so how can you call him democraticaly elected? He is no better Putin or other leaders in the region.

Hans, Moscow, Russia

Very disappointing delivery from Cameron, with rather immature and childish sentiments. Looks like he has no diplomatic skills and this is the most frightening thing to learn about the next wannabe in British politics. I vote conservatives last time and I will reconsider my vote almost certainly.

Sacha, London,

Why does photo 4 in the Slide Show, 'Tskhinvali... has been virtually destroyed...' show some soldiers by a roadside, while photo 5, 'Most of the... population of Gori fled the city...' shows a wailing mother & her child? Why is MS shown smiling in photo 6, & VP and DM stiff and formal in photo 7?

Al, Moscow,

''Instead I found a people displaying strength in the face of a bully.''
I bet you thought you'd never left Blighty.

gwilym rhys-jones, costa del sol, spain

Not much difference between the Russian government leadership and the Russian Mafia. Both lead with the same thoughts in mind. The EU must either stand as one and stop the monster now or face the same history as WWII. Slave or not is the only question for the EU.

Bob, Oklahoma City, OK

What a tired pompous claptrap from Mr Cameron. Thue to his critics, all hot air and no substance. The world order is not in danger because of the Russians trying to defend their citizens from being killed. And Mr Saakashvili is in the same democratic league as Mugabe.

nmann, Birmingham, UK

David Cameron would restrict visas to Russians when the British econmy is reeling. He probably thinks that SIngapore and Dubai are still a part of the British empire and that he could restrict Russians from shopping there as well. And he wants to become Prime Minister? What a genius!

Mehul Kamdar, Des Plaines, IL, USA

My dear Mr Cameron, were you asleep when Iraq was invaded,and thousands of innocent people were bombed and burned alive by the actions of our forces and American thugs?
Perhaps you were asleep too, when Israel used excessive force killing people and destroying Lebanon last year.

simon hare, Hove, uk

Oh! Those days of the Cold War. How comforting to be back in the world I was born into. The same crowd is still around. You know, the ones spitting out the then Communist line. The West was always wrong. Disarm so the enemy does not get nervous. Allow some Soviet Troops in Britain, etc.

DANIEL WILLIAM SULLIVAN, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL

This is the time that Britain, a respected democratic country, should show its strong solidarity with Georgia. Russia will never listen diplomatic words but does understand powerful military kick. This is why Georgia's NATO membership is urgent.

Jong, Seoul, S.Korea

Dear Mr Cameron

It is not surprising form to find out that all people who supported your short note are Americans.
For how long US will continue to involve Europe in it's dirty political games? Can't we deal with political life in Europe on our own?

James, London, Uk

You should mention that Georgia started this war, killing innocent people. How would a a success for Georgia have looked like? Suppressing the people for the foreseeable future with military force. A democracy shouldn't solve it's conflicts like this.

Franz, Würzburg, Germany

2Allan Bellis. The thing is that wealthy Russian are wealthy in Russia as long as Putin & Co allows them. That's why they're buying assets in the West - to take wealth outside Russia and to feel protected. Sanctions against this elite might prove to be very effective tool to make Russia back off.

Linas, Barton, UK

The Georgians carry out a sneek attack that kills thousands of totally innocent people with arms supplied by the US and the UK and David Cameron calls Russia the bad guys for simply protecting civilian life.
why are we bending the knee to the fanatical neo-con agenda to start wars.

Henry Reilly, Kilkeel, United Kingdom

Georgia invade S.Ossettia? S.Ossettia is part of Georgia. Russia is the invader.

S.Osetia had a referendum? 99% yes? but 1/3rd population is ethnic Georgian.

US needs UN approval...Russia doesnt?

The left are out today - along with Russian apologists. They still love Russia/USSR.

Georgi, belgium,

Dear oh dear - the simplisitic old Blair rhetoric of "right and wrong" reincarnated in Cameron. Pathetically superfcial stuff, And do the "elder statesmen" of the Tory party go along with all this? Naked opportunism and a crude attempt to show DC has the cojones that Gordie lacks.

susie, London, UK

People - wake up!

US – new Evil Empire. They want WW3 – and Europe&Russia to pay their bills by our blood. Don’t let this happen! Russia wants just peace and cooperation – US wants trouble all over the world.Their economy is based on it – no one will keep dollars if there is peace in the world.

Artem, Moscow, Russia

to Armen from London..

Russians were provoking us for a long time,rebbels were constently firing on our civilians,we had to act..

it's like france to give pasports and arms to ETA separatist and then come to their aid...come on!
leftists,your hate to America has nothing to fo with us!

Rezo, Tbilisi,

So Mr Cameron found a vibrant city of Tbilisi, neither bombarded nor under siege, but still wants to punish Russia for this. What a clown is going to replace poor Gordon.

Dr Rossen , Kuwait,

Interesting how fellow-travellers,crypto-communists and fans of good old uncle Joe are alive and well in sated UK.
Terrific commentary-more of this style needed.

peter haller, berne, Switzerland

South Osetia capital.
http://osinform.ru/foto/7766-foto-razrushennogo-goroda-geroja.html

Topler, Moscow, Russia

Russia has proved that it remains a warmongering imperialist nation.

The Cvilised nations of the world must immediately expel Russia from economic (G8) and power positions in UN.

& simultaneously apply unilateral sanctions against the country.

Richard, Bucharest,

US & UK response should comprie the development of new weapons technology that will bankrupt the Russian economy one again.

Complete & long term isolation of this uncivilised nation is the only remedy.

Richard, Bucharest,

what's that smell ? ... oh it's only propoganda !

Mota, Swansea,

David Cameron, a men with a short memory.
Britain, US, and NATO were not ivited in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Destruction and killing a milion human beings.
Democracy the magic word. Lies,lies again and again.

J.P.M. Ruitenberg, Grootebroek, The Netherlands

Gerorgia was not right in invading Osetia. Russia may have used more force than necessary but most citizens hold Russian citizenship, do you think USA would not have done the same for its ? USA has done worse in Iraq and who are we to judge Russia - USA has killed 600000 people in Iraq

Mahomed Ladha, London, United Kingdom

Cameron is naive and should read something of the history of Russia. Respect to them does not mean the same as respect to us. The real world is not a happy, human-rights dominated new world order, but a hard, tough grouping of nation states - other than the UK within the EU.

appleman, Cardiff, Wales

Quote: "Georgia ... a vibrant democracy..."

Georgia dreams to be a democracy, but is not yet and will not be anytime soon. In 150 years, may be. Even its current adversary Russia is more prepared to turn into a democracy, e.g. in 50-75 years...

Yura, Hamden, CT, US

It appears that the west has the monopoly of the word democracy. Democracy in western style is: invade Iraq&Afghanistan illegally, partition Serbia, bomb Labanon indiscriminately, hold and torture suspects in Quantamo without charge, torture suspects in Iraq& Afghanistan, cover up Saudi arms deal

hether, london, uk

One again the anti Russia press hits home.
Lets get this straight Georgia started this. Russia ended it.
We invade oil rich countries with our American masters and its OK. Ohh no we must have another cold war. Russia is the big bad enemy again. Looks like USA want a big war so Bush can stay in power

Len, Argyll, UK

Americans and the British are invading Iraq and Aphganistan against the wishes of the populace but Russia is protecting people who choose not to be ruled by a bully.

Saakashvili got what he should have expected for invading Ossetia anyway, would we care if there wasn't oil pipe line in Georgia

mick Reilly, Doncaster,

Well done Dave, you've just lost my vote with an overwhelming display of political naivety (no sense of realpolitik) and double standards (Falklands, Iraq, Kosovo? Oh and remember how effectively Britain defended Poland in 1939?).

Ed Mullins, Folkestone,

I wonder when the simple fact could be recognized by people like article author: S.Osetia had a referendum to be separated from Georgia. Georgia attacked S.Osetia to expel S.Osetians quickly and bloody to move native Georgians into Tshinvali and to have a new referendum. Democracy? Yeah

Andrew, Canada,

The same people all the time banging on about the threat of Russia. Ukraine will be next they cry with no evidence to back it up.

America/Poland plans a "defensive" missile system next door to Russia, then wail when Russia says the systems location will now be a target.

Dougie, Glasgow, UK

Sorry Dave, this is rubbish. How is Russia's rescue of South Ossetians different from the UK's expedition to recapture the Falklands? (Except that South Ossetia is on Russia's doorstep, while the Falklands are thousands of miles from Britain). Or the NATO attack on Serbia to rescue Kosovans?

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

the Rape of Falluja by US forces was overwhelming force, Afghanistan, the bombing of villagers by 2000lb bombs to take out a couple of Talib gunmen is overwhelming force, DC get off your bike, Putins reaction is measured, if you were a leader you would have to react in the same fashion as Putin & co

Mike M, barcelona , espana

Dave Cameron hit the nail on the head with that article. Couldn't have put it better myself.

Stu, London,

I do hope that European nations can do better than be unhappily advised by americans who live too far from here to judge and prompt. US craves for instability in Eurasia and this is more than evident. Saakashvilli is condemned by his own people and he must be stopped before his action nukes Caucases

Tanya, Novgorod,

Faced with the first real world problem where the behavioural economists ideas might actually be able to suggest a novel strategy, it's disappointing that Mr Cameron returns to the same tired old bluster as everyone before him.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

I call upon President George Bush, who I have supported both terms, to fully stand up to the cowardly Russians and completely back the Georgian people who we have mentored as a young democracy. We cannot let them down. We have sent them the message in the past that we have their back!

Stephen McCurley, Tyler, USA

Georgia a democrecy? Come on! If Georgia is admitted to NATO and the EU, expect trouble with that hot-head in charge. If he had not ordered the attack on Ossrtia, none of these furthur events would have happened.

margie, victoria, australia

You hypocrites should be ashamed of yourselves for your sanctimonious attacks on Russia. The US invaded Iraq to impose their views on a foreign land AND allowed the partition of Serbia (Kosovo), all with British help. I hope the US and the UK choke on their own recipes.

Nick, New York, New York, USA

If he is going to talk like this when he is PM then we will certainly go to war with Russia. Start building the bunkers now, folks. Kicked out of G8, sanctions and the rest of the caboodle used against Iraq? All sounds too familiar. Does Russia care? Not a toss when faced with toothless Britain.

John Walter, bonn, germany

I recall the song of Bob Marley.. something like ' you can fool some people at some time but you cannot fool all the people all time'
Iraq war was for oil so is this war. And at this stage Russia seems winning actual war. Like Bush, you are also handicapped to wage war of words only.

Binaya, Wellington,

It was obvious from day one of putins rise to power that his mission was to reinstitute a communist type slave rule over Russia and its fomer communist puppet states . his contempt for free elections is quite evident .this has been putins not so ' hidden agenda' from the get go.

Jim Ripley, Las Cruces , N.M, U S A

Dear Mr. Cameron what's your take on the invasion of Iraq by the US?

The carpet bombing of Southern Lebanon by the IDF?

The partition of Serbia without UN authorization?

And closer to home the UK/BAE/Saudi cover up?

Perhaps the world has missed some moral lessons from all the above.

Malcolm, Victoria Island,

Why should the UK and the rest of Europe get involved in what it is clearly a American interest. The Government seems to think we, the general public, support the USA, how very wrong indeed. Russia are simply disarming a US puppet that dared to challenge the Bear, and the US dont like it one bit.

Josh Speed, Redcar, United Kingdom

David Cameron you are right on the mark. I have been reading the UK papers and comments to editiorials. I can not believe the animosity toward the US, and the lack of initiative and appeasement by NATO and european countries in this crisis. You are a breath of fresh air.

Mary, Seattle, WA, USA

Maybe the Rusians will ask you if you want Russian citizenship, then when London has enough Russian citizens you too can be invaded.

Mary, Seattle, WA, USA

I completely agree, what Russia have done is disgusting. They've shown such force against such a comparably small state and a neighbour and threatened Poland!? They're not doing themselves any favours at all!

Duffield, Cardiff, Wales

I agree with the article that Nato and other nations should do more to support Georgia. So far all we have seen is empty words from world leaders while Russia tramples Georgia's territorial rights as it wishes.

Alex , Washington , UK

Georgia democracy in name only. Demonstrations crushed, opposition jailed and media either closed down or placed in 'friendly' hands. Saakashvili fascist puppet of US who spent the last six years arming Georgia. Georgia tried ethnic cleansing of 'own' people. Russia acted morally. West hypocrites.

Peter Jones, Manchester, UK

"We should suspend Russia from the G8 and defer negotiations on a partnership with the European Union." Just about three weeks ago I posted something like this, and I was mocked by other site users. How times change! I've never believed the myth about Russian commitment to democracy.

Hans, Schenectady, USA

Reality check for David Cameron: Britain has a visa regime for Russia already. Instead taking on Russia, US must be able to handle their puppets. Britain's role in this affair is unacceptable, it has no moral right to interfere after Iraq's invasion and Kosovo. So DC, take a chill pill and get lost!

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

The single unifying element in Russian history is a deep abiding belief in autocracy. The West must act now to show Russia that its actions are self-defeating. The NATO member states must revise their foreign policy and their energy policy in light of this resurgent Russian “fascism.” I for one am willing to pay the price.

Hans, Schenectady, USA

What about the fact that Georgia started the war? Or that the Georgians killed many more people - civilians, in fact? Or that the "color revolutions" and "missile shield" are more offensive than defensive? How can you be so sure you occupy the moral high ground? Is it a birthright?

Paul Wolf, Washington DC,

Next time you think of applauding a "nice shot" by Safin or Sharapova,keep this in mind.Russias 'overt display of Western style consumerism is and always was a ploy- to lull its percieved foe into complacency."The end justifies the means "Their words ,not mine.

Jon , Austin, USA

I totally agree with David Cameron who deserves to become English Prime Minister by his courageous stand against Russian actions in Georgia.

davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia

American air bases are next door to Georgia. Mobilisation and a threat to eliminate the invading Russians from the air would have stopped them in their tracks.

But no, the US thinks boycotting the Sochi olympics was the correct response to Putin.

Next stop is the Ukraine. Wake up Bush!

David, Liverpool, England

Britain alone won’t be able to do it. But Britain, Germany, France, and the US need to set the standard. The weakest link in that combination is modern Germany and its partner France. Merkel’s wimpy approach to the Russian Bear just won’t do. Drop your feelings of guilt Germany and once again really assume your place in the world as a great power and as a beacon of democracy. I miss Churchill, Adenauer, and DeGaulle.

Hans, Schenectady, USA

It is a time for democracies to stand together. It is a time for members of our parliament – the seat of one of the world’s oldest democracies – to speak up for one of the world’s newest. which means we must be prepared to enter in a war against Russia it is the only way to make them to change.

davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia

"Russian armies can’t march into other countries while Russian shoppers carry on marching into Selfridges."

Now there's a good idea: let's stop wealthy Russians coming here & spending their money. Then they can spend it somewhere else! That will really show them!

Alan Bellis, Goole, East Yorkshire

Russia’s elite value their ties to Europe - their shopping and their luxury weekends. We should look at the visa regime for Russian citizens. And much more important we must investigate Russian assets in the West specially the ones related to Russian government officials or affiliated.

davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Today it is Georgia. Tomorrow will it be Ukraine? Or the Baltic states?So Nato, the EU and the western democracies must act. We must through NATO be prepared to fight against Russia, war if necessary. We must work to rebuild what Russia has destroyed, sending a clear message that we stand by Georgia

davidsalome, Saint Petersburg, Russia

I feel discusted how everyone is blind at what is happening and Russia is turned into this evil country, everyone seems to be crying for Georgia but no one questions why Georgia was a bully towards Ossetia. Then again we all know what the fight is for why once again America is so concerned.

Armen, london,