reading the vast majority of russian comments have been absolutely hillarious. they are telling us that our politicians are corrupt and brainwashing us through the media? how many tv stations in russia stay open after critising putin?

western people believing russia progaganda is just sad.

will, grimsby, uk

Trouble with recent events in Georgia is that after the cold war, the world has become British-American playground. Russia destroyed that monopoly, that's why western politicians and media now sound like spoiled wraths: finally someone took away their precious toy.

miconi, Belgrade , Serbia

Our country didn't start any single conflict within the last 20 years. But what about US? Yougoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq,
maybe even Iran in the future. Russia didn't start the conflict in South Ossetia. Georgian artillery killed 2,000 civillians and 18 Russian peacekeepers. We had to reply.

Vafin Emil, Kazan, Russia

Yes Rich from St Albians Russia is "better at fighting wars than the US" because they did such a bang up job in Afghanistan from 79-89. Never mind the comparisons of Russian involvement in Afghanistan to US involvement in Vietnam.Yeah you have a good grip on reality there pal!

Glenn, Brooklyn , US

People in Europe and here in the U.S. should speak with their pocket books. Young people should quite downloading music from russian music sites and drinking russian vodka. The big one is that our government needs to focus on alternative energy so that we are not slaves to russian oil.

Bill Vickers, Orlando, FL, USA

stop genocide io Osetia

maksymov, Kiev, Ukraine

Although I find many comments that I have read here "extreme", it is nice to see that multiple countries are interacting and having "discussion" (I use that term loosely). It is interesting how differently people see these events and the past.

Michael, Dallas, USA

Russia bombing the Georgia? Our people are very afraid that the other countries are thinking that Russia is a killer... No. We help Ossetia all time! The Georgia army killed 3000 people! Russian army killed no one in Georgia!... Now we help Ossetian people... But the world news doesn't show that...

Sasha, Moscow, Russia

Well, all what Saakashvilli doing from the moment then Russian peacekeepers was entered in South Osetia is to convince Georgians of the advance of Rus army to Tbilisi. This is the BIG show, becouse it's necessary to hold on his power. This is only one way for him. Therefore he blocked .ru and rus.TV

Sergei, Moscow, Russia

Ok the US is going to send in military planes and ships with "aid' for Georgia and has warned Russia not to interfere. This is ridiculous and it makes me wonder how many out there are prepared for military confrontation with Russia. The West can;t cope with Iraq and Afghanistan. A dangerous game

DCH, Nottingham , UK

It is quiet obvious Georgia provoked this retaliation, and to say that the force used by Russia was to much? Why drag out a conflict for weeks when you can end it swiftly there is less casualties then there could have been. Russia was simply in the right and Georgia should give up the regions

Robert, Coquitlam, Canada

We're still seeing the Georgian president on TV. He should be given less coverage as he committed war crimes before there even was a war. If there is any credibility in the war-crimes-tribunal at the Hague, he has to stand trial. If he has his way we'll all be conspirators in 'ethnic cleansing'.

Greg, London, United Kingdom

Thanks for all people who supported us! We hope that this war will not continue! I hope that our government will be not mistaken! We want to live in peace with all planet! Thank you friends!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Georgian opened this war. It's a pity that world mass media using not confirmed data in their revues. Most of all you read is a pear data from Belgium pear agency. Just count, now more than 1500 dead. What will be happened if Russia don't stop Georgian? They will be all dead!!! This is genocide.....

Pavel, Odessa, Ukraine

Eugene, Moscow, i hope you know as well as I do that it would be a terrible mistake for Europe and Russia to go to war against each other. You may think that Russia is all-powerfrul, but the truth is, both sides would be shattered unrecognisably. You'd regret it. Never underestimate us Europeans.

Marco, Krakow, Poland

Russian and georgian people are friends. They were friends for very long time, they participatred in WW2 alongside. There souldn't be way for sick politics to brake this friendship.
I'm glad, that russians stopped genocide of ossetians

Denis, Kishinev, Moldova

Saakashvili may of overplayed his hand and made the mistaken assumption thet he would have NATO and US support but it does'nt give russia any right to interveen in a obvious land grab while making an example of georgia. Russia is in the wrong and has lost much international respect

Fraser, Christchurch, NewZealand

Isn't this a UK newspaper talking about Russian occupation of Northern Georgia?

Why then does America this America that always get flung into everything?

Speaking from the Midwest I can say most Americans do not even know this is happening nor do they care much.

Sweetcorn Harvest is here!!!

Chris, Lerna IL, USA

wow this is ridiculous America is about to become a nazi state if this media censorship does not stop. I find it funny that the Olympics are being held at the same time as this and America just sits idly by and worries more about the olympics than this.

Sloane , Jackson, United States

I am beginning to think that the average American is getting rather envious of Russian power. Lets face it, they are considerably better at winning wars than the U.S., who deployed 50000 troops just to take on the tiny island of Grenada - and nearly lost! Lets not mention Vietnam or Iraq...

Richard, St Albans, England

To chris, Phoenix, USA
Also, if the US were going to fight in Europe why did they built their main military base in Perl Harbour? Too far from Europe. But close to Japan. The US were going to fight with Japan. And they did. European war for the US was just about money. And the same is now.

Jurate, Riga,

From the previous comments I've clearly noticed that all of the pro-Georgia supporters had no knowledge of the pre-history of this conflict. The truth is that this is the third genocide of south ossetians by georgians in the last 90 years killing in total almost 50% of south ossetian population.

John, Dublin,

To Drew from NYS. Maybe it is surprise to you but Georgia started bombardment of Tchinvali by heavy artillery on the night from Thursday to Friday. But only Russians TV channels showed this. Plus French news channel mentioned. It was a silence on CNN & BBC. Unbelievable !

Oleg, London,

On the 08/08/08 withoud any reason georgian army shelled Thinvali and neighbouring villiages with rockets and flattened with tanks, killing more than 2000 south ossetian civilians, mainly pensioners and children. In 2 small villiages georgians killed all population and destroyed all houses.

John, Dublin,

To all you Czecks, Poles, Latvians and others, you can't compare the USSR and Russia when making your statements. Those are different countries governed by different ideology and having different goals. The USSR was a communist state, modern Russia is not. It's like comparing Nazi and modern Germany

Max, London, UK

Anybody but politicians from the US, UK and other member of NATO can criticise Russian's invading Georgia. A foul precedence has been set when NATO invaded or militarily intervened "small" " Independent" "sovereignty" countries like Serbia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and changed regimes there.

Xun, Texas,

The Western media is only starting to report objectively on this war. Georgia began this war by attacking Russian troops in Ossetia. Georgia bombed civilian areas of Ossetia, killing thousands. Who convinced the Georgian president to rouse the the Russian bear? And to what end?

Angela, Toronto, Canada

Alex from Moscow says "Georgians were bombing their own city, killing their own citizens just to make their own country united together."

When you talk nonsense like this, we can all tell that you are swallowing absurd government propaganda.

Drew, NYC, NY

Georgian president Saakashvilli launched a war ... He killed 2000 innocent Ossetian civilians ... Russia had to stop him and his criminal army

Petr, Kazan, Russia

People, how can they soberly to estimate a situation Ossetia if all of them are afraid of USA!

Marina, Moscow, Russian Federation

***Herr Stalin, forcibly absorbed Georgia into the Soviet Union***
Frank, Lynnwood, US
lol.. Georgia voluntarily asked Russia to protect them from the enemies befor Stalin became sovereign.. and actually he was a geogian (Djugashvilly) "Stalin" is only a pseudonim..

Aleksey, Moscow,

People who say "Russia attacked Estonia, Hungary, Finland, Czech" probably have hay insted of brains. USSR does not already exist for more then 17 years! Russia and USSR are differnt countries. Please learn the history before showing your ignorance.

Sergey, St. Petersburg, Russia

marvellous comments from poland and ukrain &estonia...still having complexes? Russia doesn't want Georgia, your countries neither. Don't be SO afraid of us! Just think of kids, who've seen deaths of their relatives, pregnant women being smashed by georgian tanks. "Democracy" isn't worth it

Olga, St. Petersburg, Russia

Saakashvilli kill 1500 human in Tshinvali 08/08/2008
Russian aggressors?!!!

Ya, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Poor poor Georgia!
So democratic and progressive.
Do you know that their military budget increased 30 times (!!!!) since 2004. Just check it out, for what it was done. Now we see.

Olgert, Moscow, Russia

it is all right for Israel with a little bit of American help to go about bombing other countries and it is not right for Russians to do the same when they are actually attacked by a madman who is also a lawyer. I do not trust lawyers.

Please, we can do without these two different sets of values

Asad, Kolkata, India

Wise old georgian lady says: "“We have lived with the Russians for 100 years so why do we need this war now? I don’t want to be with America; I think we should live peacefully with the Russians.”
May be we should all listen to her? With our total ignorance of Caucasus people's history&relations?

Greg, Miami, USA

I don't like "Putin's style" too but "Bush's style" is more danger! We don"t want another territories! We so big that we have a lot of problems by our territory! We have a lot of resources and territories! we have a lot of job! and we haven't any
ideology! unfortunately!
we just want to live!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

The bias in most Western media is astounding to me. You will not hear a single word about the mass murders of Ossetians by the German military. Not a single word about the fact that Georgia started the whole thing. Not a single word confronting Georgian officials about their blatant lies. Pathetic.

Konstantin, Waco, USA

People all over the world! I am talking to you.
Please don`t listen to western politicians and TV. They don`t want to change their mind. They still live within the categories of "cold war". They are flushing your brains in order to keep their power and money.
The money should not rule the world.

Alexey, St.-Petersburg, Russia

Sofia, Canada

You do realize that bombing Japan was done to end the war, right? Japan attacked the US. Why should US have to invade and lose 100K americans if we had means to stop the war that we did? Nice revisionist historian u are. Blame the US for even that. It was a war-we ended it.

chris, Phoenix, USA

perhaps those in the US should not be so quick to judge Russia for it's military incursion as I seem to recall the UN condemning the US invasion of Iraq when that all started. when Iraqi cities were being bombed during "The shock and Awe" I'm sure many civilians died there also.

Cory, Thunder Bay, Canada

Obviously, Saakashvili made a big mistake: Russians prepared a trap for him and he gladly fell into it. Now I guess he entirely trapped within. Hope our government knows what to do as a next move - I'm not really sure that they have clear understanding what should be done tommorow...

Ormur, Moscow, RF

Russia had "a democratic option" - to act "by the book" i.e. informing UN, telling "please stop fire", sending observers...these things work. In theory.

In practice, several days are enough to annihilate a small nationality. Sorry, no time for this - time only to act and save lifes! Got it???

Dmitry, St. Petersburg, Russia

I have some friends around Georgia and some buddies within Russia's military, and looks like western media is not entirely right in depicting current events in Ossetia and Georgia. Whereas Russian media is obviously way ahead of its western rivals, in terms of info and people on the ground.

Shawn, Moscow, Russia

Natia, Georgian troops fired the first shots, bombarded a city and then tried to subjucate the resident civillians. The fact that the Russians predictated this foolhardy move by Saakashvili is no defense. He's simply reckless and has endagered his own people with his posturing and now, crawling.

Neil, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Back to the Cold War with Russia. They have finally shown their true colors as this was an act instigated by Putin to have a showdown with the EU, NATO and the US. What other country would immediately give citizenship to people who live in another country and then send in Peace Keepers.

Gene, Gebüg, Germany

saakashvili is lucky the current occupant of the Kremlin is called Medvedev and not Stalin, as uncle joe would not have been as mericful and cautious like medvedev.

priyesh, durban, south africa

Natia,Kosovo and Metohija are serbian territory and NATO has no right to interfere.Oh,NATO did interfere...

Berkut, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia

No country is without fault, except Australia.

len scapp, oxford,

What do our Prime Minister and Foreign secretary have to say about it? Are they still on holiday?

N Reed, Truro, UK

Georgia is seeking our help and we stand back idly and watch the invasion of a sovereign state by another. It's true that the US probably shouldn't have invaded Afghanistan or Irak (to name but a few) but it doesn't mean its ok for others to repeat these misteakes; it doesn't make it anyless right

CDH, Oxford, UK

I am surprised. Russia has sunk two fighting ships of Georgia, and " The Times " about it is silent.
But nobody is measured to win Georgia. What for Russia the Northern Ireland?

Alek., Saratov, Russia

It looks like no one won't stop russia in their bloody march . un,nato ,usa, eu now stuck in empty talks with russians. Russians always had excuse nd own true story . Basically they are bloody nation and have blood of many nations on their hand looking back at their history.

gennadiy rudoy, vinnica, Ukraine

I for one am not at all surprised all the ignorant nationalistic comments from the Russians below... after all this is a people who consider Stalin to be their greatest leader.

Sam, Tonbridge, Kent

Come on! Russia and the US are doing exactly the same things. Only differently. They are just as evil as the other. To be honest I don't think anything good is going to come out of this. The Cold War never dies.... Only now we got Terrorism now also (even that is a word without meaning).

Will, Madrid, Spain

to DS, from Palo Alto, USA:
It's very easy. Saakashvili desired to pick up georgian flag in ruined Tskhinvai after the blietzkrieg just before the moment the Olympics started.

Artem, Khabarovsk, Russia

Dear Philip from Oxford, what do you want to say by this phrase: NEEDS to be punished? how old are you? and who are you to say that? You live in a rich country and you never knew what does it mean "hunger". And you are lucky! Please think about your thinks! Russia had a lot of disasters in past!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

For those, who compare Putin & Stalin: real name of Stalin is Dzhugashvlilli, he was Georgian. Saakashvilli artliiery 8th august 2008 killed over 2000 civilians, many of them was citizen of Russia. Putin answered hard, ok, but you really think he's anwser is wrong?

Sergey, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Hello Russians.
Are there anyone with independent and different opinion from official mass media propaganda ? Or you have only submissive ideas given by your great preacher - teacher - leader ? Are there any free souls and minds ?

piotr, warsaw, poland

Russia is in clear breach of the UN charter and international law by invading the sovereign territory of its neighbour. Medvedev and Putin should reflect on this fact before accusing Georgia of "war crimes".

Peter, London,

Russia answers Saakashvili with adequate measures its aggression concerning Ossetia. You know, what the majority of citizens of Ossetia have the Russian citizenship? How you think, what in a similar situation - when start to kill peace inhabitants, should do the state? The answer one - to protect.

Igor, Moscow, Russia

I want to thank ppl from Europe (esp. those few from the UK coz mostly there are negative comments from there) and the US ( I was surprised to know that ppl still can see with their eyes open despite the propaganda) who post rational comments here.

Thank you. We need you support.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

An ex-KGB thug and an oil oligarch invading a much smaller neighbour - and people wonder why we need NATO!

Peter, London,

Propagation in the West works exclusively with the purpose of disinformation. Understand three main things. 1. Saakashvili has begun operations. 2. It is destroyed about 2000 peace inhabitants of Ossetia. 3. Russia strikes back Saakashvili.

Igor, Moscow, Russia

To George in the US, Russia economy is outstripping the American one, and fast gaining. Why is America really worried about Georgia? 2 simple areas. 1. Oil, 2 Strategic Bases.
Without both the US cannot continue it onslaught in the middle east, as the Arabs want them out of thier lands.

Darren, London, UK

Philip, are you fool? 2 000 russian people died in Ossetia at one night by !!! Are you blind? 2 citizens of USA were killed and 1 peporter stay alive in a hospital. They can not leaving the city, why? because georgian solders always attaks.... shame on you

valentin, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

I can not understand why the UN community with their leaders do not do anything to stop Russian troops in Georgia.
Georgia is independent country and the Russian's intrusion is a breaking the international law.
Where are leaders the biggest countries of Europe?
Do they fear to incur Russion's anger

Andrzej, Krakow, Poland

You live now in information blockade. Hear and see that your heads wish to show to you. A shame not Russia, the shame of Georgia and the NATO from the USA which it help to destroy the people to steal up to Russia

Sergey, Russia,

Natalia,dear, we didnt even plan to go on Georgian territory. But since hey didnt cease fire now Russian troops are destroying army bases. Got any problem with that?
And yes, Andrey is right. Russia has the right to be there under the UN agreement of 1992. Not just be but ACT.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

The Georgian President lying on the ground in terror is a lesson to all Politicians. War and the military option should not be taken lightly but with due consideration. See what he has unleashed now..the whole region is in turmoil. Maybe some of our leaders should do what he did..visit the frontline

Phil, London, UK

I am surprised. Russia has sunk two fighting ships of Georgia, and " The Times " about it is silent. But nobody is measured to win Georgia. What for Russia the Northern Ireland?Russia has a lot of ground and few people on it. What for to us to grasp still something? We have oil, gas, metals - Mendeleyev's table!

Alek., Saratov, Russia

Russian double standards in Ossetia after Chechnya? Sure, why not! Just like American double standards in Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia. End of one-sided fair-play. You wanted double standards, humialiating Russia for 17 years, you now got them. US must not be the only nation authorized to intervene at large

Sergey, Moscow, Russia

Poland 1/9/39...Seems that Russia is using tried and tested methods of invasion. Pity about the model though.

Gerhard Schmidt, Berlin, Germany

so Saakshivili's response to this is to increase bombing of South Osettia! doesn't he realise that if he doesn't leaves the people of S. Osettia in peace, the Russians won't leave him in peace? If Saakshivili stops killing, Russia will leave Georgia proper.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Whole thing started when on Aug 8 Georgia shelled 70,000 population Osetian city with heavy artillery. Destroying 70% of buildings, killing 2000 civillians.
I find it hard to believe that this operation was not pre-approved by US government.

Andrew, Ann Arbor,

It is necessary, in difficult Cases, to have a self and very correct Opinion. To take it, please, don't have a Fear and come here, in Russia. And/or, better, directly to S.O. Being see everything by self Eyes You can solve yourself, who is Liar and Provocator and then tell it to everybody worldwide!

Alex, Moscow, Russia

I wish I could do magic.I would transform all Russians praising WAR (disregarding the reasons) on this forum into Georgians,Osethians and again Russians, but on the other site of the border.Its so easy to shout "Ura!" while sitting in a comfortable chair.Democracy-is a matter of personal experience.

Alex, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

It's ironic how Saakashvili became for Russia what Iranian president is for USA and Europe. Two crazy guys who make stupid provocative statements from time to time, both supported by other big country.Georgia is supported by the West and Iran is supported by Russia. Saakashvili plays media better

Alice, Newark, USA

Russia has a lot of ground and few people on it. What for to us to grasp still something? We have oil, gas, metals - Mendeleyev's table! You know, what such steppe? Flat plain covered by a juicy grass. And any settlement up to horizon. You know, what such a taiga? A wood for many days of a way where there live only animals.

Alek., Saratov, Russia

'The villainy you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction.'

Russia has learnt its lessons well from the west.

Matt..., London,

Some one has justified democracy with the leaving office of Blair/Bush.
What i want to say is if people agree with this point,and enjoy this, then the oil tycoon from the west WILL ALWAYS happy to someone to "step down" every 8 years to show all people the "BEAUTY" of democracy from time to time.

Pokok, KL, Malaysia

In full agreement with Bill Swenson and Krishna R. Kumar...and if the US or UK were to launch a military offensive on Russia, i, though i don't like or trust the Russian government any more than i do the US or UK governments,would support Russia.and if Poland got involved,i would protest against it.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Clash of dictators: Georgia is anything, but democracy. Saakashvili doesn't have the best record for human rights (check out his wikipedia.org profile). Also his opposition leaders have a tendency of getting arrested, or dying. Putin is a dictator. They should share a bench at Hague tribunal.

John, Boston, US

All Russians since the childhood know such expression - " Who to us with a sword will come, that from this sword and will be lost "....!!!

Igor, Moscow, Russia

Unfortunately, cold war is nothing new! as we can see now! why? it is a dirty politic games! We don't know who tell the truth! we are dolls in their hands! We ( we and you) haven't information about it! We haven't freedom! we must be good! we must be conscientious! We are brothers and sisters!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Supporting monks in Tibet ?
Were angry with Serbia not allowing independence to Kosovo ? Kept silence when US/British bombs destroyed Belgrad ?
Agreed with US troops in Irak and now near Iran ?
you still has enough conscience to condemn Russia and refuse people of S.Ossetia in their choice ?

Almatinetz, Almaty, Kazakhstan

U.S. never learns ! USSR missiles in Cuba were a trade-off for U.S. missiles in Turkey. Placing missiles in Poland and Czechoslovakia is a step too far; with the possibility of more missiles threatening USSR from Georgia. How would US like it if USSR missiles
were along the Mexican border ?

Mike, Christchurch, U.K.

"Russia's armed forces are nothing compared with the military might of the US, UK or France" Sandeep, quite apart from the nuclear issue, if the US&UK attacked Russia they would come out with half their population dead. A war with Russia would destroy the US&UK.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

I mean, did the Georgian president really believe that NATO woud have mobilised its troops against RUSSIA, had its reckless attempt to invade Ossetia failed? I don't ike the Russians. I have never trusted them and I never wil, but I must admit that Georgia acted in a very foolish manner.

Horace, Florence, Tuscany, Italy, NATO

It's scary to see how russians brainwashed civil population in russia. UN, NATO, EU where are they? Russia has own true mission in Foreign State. what are u talking about? they don't like georgians...ukrainians. U don't know russians, please stop to defend them. Look at russian propaganda in Crimea.

gennadiy , vinnica, ukraine

A war with Russia would destroy the US&UK. Let's hope there's a limit to the stupidity of Bush and Brown. or rather let's hope at least there's at least some common sense among their advisers.

Marco, KrakOw, Poland

Saakashvili is not what such a nice country as Georgia deserves. And what would I do if I were the Russian president?
On the other hand, no politician at all must be trusted.
"The great nations have always acted like gangsters, and the small nations like prostitutes." (Stanley Kubrick)
Alas!

Alexander, NN, Russia

TO philip, oxford, England UK
SHAME on UK! UK attacked Afganistan! Yours soldiers are waging war in another country! You are agressor! You attaked Serbia! You killed so many civilian people in Serbia. Have you forgotten attacks to Serbea? UK and USA are really enemy of the world!

alex, sydney, australia

This could have all been avoided had Georgia not decided to become a puppet for the U.S. This is but another covert attempt by the west using one of thier puppet break away states to cause conflict in that region. When Mr Saakashvili is told to start attacking civilians he does what he is told.

Mike, Tampa, Florida,

If only Saakashvili and other's in power in Georgia had the common sense and understanding displayed by the 70 year old lady, Eteri, that Georgians lived with Russians in peace and harmony for 100s of years and can still do so, this tragic situation would not hve developed.

Dr Alok Bhattacharyya, London, UK

For all the criticisms of the allies in the war in Iraq at least there was an effort to use the UN before the war started. In addition Saddam Hussein was a dictator who used chemical weapons against his own citizens. Georgia in contrast is a thriving democracy.

Jason, Guidlford, UK

I find it incredible that Saakashvili didn't see this coming. All of the most powerful countries now act as they please, and to bait the Russians was foolish in the extreme.

As for Brits and Americans criticising, have you already forgotten Afghanistan and Iraq?! We gave up our critical right!

Mike, Bristol, UK,

To those who says we've broken Geordian border: our peacemakers have been in S. Osetia by the mandate of UNO since the beginning of '90-th and you know osetian people are glad of it. Really, your mass-media don't show you the real situation. Geordians attacked, we protect. That's the truth..

tapok, Moscow, Russia

It seems like media war. So many false facts about that conflict in world press. It has one reason - somebody is interested in obfuscation... If you are not blind you will see - Georgia (mister Saakashvili) started that provicative act after "the blessing by their protector Amerika". It's a shame..

Eva, Moscow, Russian Federation

A lot of comparisons between Kosovo/Serbia and Georgia/SO here!
Kosovo was a case of a province denied of basic rights and abused by a system headed by a war criminal, Slobodan Milosevic. When things gor really bad Nato intervened not allow his forces to slaughter innocent people.

Adrian, Kidderminster, England

Disgraceful Georgian Army! Before they flee from the Russian onslaught, first they should help the civilians to leave the area.

Ravanan, Colombo,

Saakashvili appeared on TV making a speech and standing by the EU flag because he wants WW3. He thinks that his "democracy" country opposes Russian non-democracy. I'm from country where we have dictator and I was in Russia and what I see in Georgia... Russia has more freedom of speech than Georgia

Andrei, Brest, Belarus

Why has no one mentioned Russia's disgusting hypocrisy? ITs ok for them to suppress Chechnya, but its wrong for Georgia to stop a group breaking away when Russia supports the break away group. Russia needs to be called to account! Hypocrites!

Steven, London,

The people, who live there, don't want to go to Georgia, becouse they know one thing - Russian soldat will never shoot at the unprotected and unarmed people!!!!!

Tatyana, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

The Georgian troops breaking all international agreements started aggression against Osetian population and Russian peaceful forces

Georgia continues genocide in South Osetia

Thousands of people were killed by bombs and crushing houses.

I'd seen it. It's very, very terribly

Tigran, Zhinvali, South Osetia

chris from Phoenix,

People of Chechnya HAVE voted to be with Russia already. It was just a few years ago so I believe you'll find all the info in Google.

Mike, Portland, USA

The western media is portraying Russia as the aggressor when it is in fact Georgia (backed by US/NATO) who sneak attacked the province of South Ossetia home to to 70% Russian citizens. Why? Because of an oil deal struck between Iran and Russia. They want world war 3 to impose and world solution!

John, Leeds, England

>Boycott Russian products, let them go demonstrate their power >on another planet, let freedom ring
>david, London, UK
Oh, sure, stop heating your house and do not cook food. So you will boycott russian natural gas. It will be especially fun during the winter.

Ivan, Moscow, Russia

You can't compare this fiasco with Iraq. Blair has been removed and NuLabour will follow. When Bush is gone his Republican party will be out as well.

Who will replace the fascist Putin? Not Medvedev that's for sure.

This is the difference between democracy and totalitarianism.

Joe Steel, Balu,

TO Steve, Sarasota, USA......dont worry about Nukes so much ,mate....dont your democratic U.S.A. used them befor on innocent people???? in Japan maybe????

richard, Helsinki, finland

"Does this mean we can go ahead and invade Mexico? It would sure solve a lot of our problems."

Uh, dude, we did invade Mexico. In fact, about a fifth of US territory was stolen from Mexico, so technically we're still occupying Mexico.

imp, redmond, wa, usa

This conflict has dangerous precedents for both sides.
Manchuria and Abyssinia before WWII, Serbia and Austria-Hungary pre-WWI and, for Russia, the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 (and to a lesser degree the Russo-Japanese war of 1910).

Ben, York,

Russia DIDN'T ATTACK FIRST. Remember it please.
Russian soldiers protect its' citizen's against Georgian troops.
People, who try to protect georgia. What do you think about women and children, who died under the georgian tanks? funny, isn't it.....oh, maybe it is proRussian propahanda too????

Marina, Moscow, Russia

To Kristijonas from Lithuania:
No worries mate, we aren't intending to invade your country - we're satisfied enough with having beaten you in basketball. But Georgians are damn good in football thus cann't be foregiven

Vlad, London,

Natalia of moscow,

Maybe if Ossetia voted to be independent, maybe you let Chechnya have a vote too? Oh, it doesn't apply for Chechnya? Russian mob twist circumstances to accomplish one thing-dominion over their neighbors, as they are afraid to compete with democracies except thru force.

chris, Phoenix , USA

The eyes of the world are looking on while the USA and the West are unable or incapable to cope with the situation in Georgia, Putin and Russia has exposed George Bush and the West as weak ,rather than the strong countries that they portray themselves to be, Putin is now seen as a world leader.

billybob, Brigg, U k

>>How many of the pro-Russian postings are from real people rather than the SVR?
))
Agree.. I also think that all comments here either from CIA (Mi-x)
or from KGB.. Simple people have no rights to express their opinion..

Alex, Moscow,

I hate to say it. WITHOUT A DOUBT, ITS ALL ABOUT THE OIL!
There are no two ways about it. The difference is methodology.

If the West had gotten good relations with Georgia, life there would have went on as normal. Possibly a rise in living standards, MAYBE.

With the russians, they are

felonius, dallas, TEXAS

With the russians, they just get hammered. The net result either way is who gets the oil?

I see russia taking all land around the black sea and building a "panama canal" device to link the black sea to the rest of the ocean.

Thats what i would do anyway.

felonius, dallas, TEXAS

Dear Daniel from BOAZ,AL,US!
Think again about your question and you'll come to conclusion hat it's not smart :) Just imajine: If Alaska is independent country and in war (god bless Alaska not to do it :)) with Canada. You hae nuclear weaponry. Would you use it to defeat targets 50 miles from you?

chirkov, spb, russia

Sakashvilli can run..see the videos..he should have been participating in the olympics instead of strating wars..

Kara Swart, London, UK

Oddly enough but west world support and approve of the USA, while it dominates, interferes in other country’s affairs, unleashes war, kills innocent people…and after all RUSSIA is the most dangerous aggressor…ridiculous!

Ulyana, Moscow, Russia

They are fleeing so fast, because they are aware of the crimes they did in Ossetia against ossetinian women, childs, old men. It's Caucasus, Russians can stop advance, but Ossetins will revenge till the end to those, who destroyed their houses and murdered their childs, wives, sisters, mothers.

Nikolay Melnikov, Moscow, Russia

I disagreed with Georgia trying to solve the South Ossetia problem by force, but the reality is the Russia was for months terrorising the sovergnity of of Georgia e.g shooting down drones over Georgian airspace. Russia is wrong and has demonstrated that it is still the crux of the evil empire.

David, London, UK

Russia isn't going to conquer Georgia. That's just a punishment for stupid georgian government which started the war on the first day of the Olympic Games.

Pavel, Moscow,

This has all been a long time coming, first off we have the bombing of Serbia, to help some of those we are now fighting in Iraq, then Kosovo, then we are pushing Nato up to Russia's doorstep what do we expect it seems with friends like us Russia doesn't need any enemies

RichardK, League City, TX, USA

The war is over.
No invasion of Georgia, but reinstalling piece and snubbing the bully. I wonder if the West will now declare that it's the diplomatic pressure that made Russians stop:))))))

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Did Georgia surrender all of their nuclear weapons when the USSR dissolved? If pushed far enough and pounded without respite, the use of a tactical nuclear munition would seem feasible as a last ditch effort to prevent Russian invasion of Tblisi.

Daniel L. Glenn, Boaz, AL, USA

Leonard, London , UK


you does consider that it is better to allow Georgian prizidentu fully to destroy ossetic people??

Andrey, Russia, S.Peterburg

Boycott Russian products, let them go demonstrate their power on another planet, let freedom ring

david, London, UK

"What I don't understand ... is that when USSR was broken up why didn't South Ossetia and Abkhazia become part of Russia rather then part of Georgia?"

Because Russia kept a foothold in various enclaves with pro Russian warlords. Ajara and Nagorno Garabach also in this region.

Joe Steel, Baku,

Ha ha ha ! Are you sleeping? What does it mean Ethnic conflict?It is only big politic game!!! I live in Tatarstan - the republic of Russia.Here live a lot of different nationalities and they confess two religions: Islam and Christianity! And we live in peace! We love together! And we make families!

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Why does anyone who says he wants to join the NATO and cries that he likes is the West after that automatically becomes not liable for anything he does? Like, if you have said that you want to be in the NATO, then = you are the good guy whatever you do.

Sergey, Moscow,

Why don't they say that Russian forces DID NOT attack cuvilian objects? Peacekeeping forces had destroyed:
1) Two Georgian military airfields
2) Geogian military naval base
3) Ammunition depot (say "hello" to Georgians, who placed the military depot in the city center)

Ilya, Omsk, Russian Federation

Urgently! In Kutaisi the group of insurgents from the Ukrainian and Baltic mercenaries is generated. They have been noticed in the form of the Russian Army and armed by the Russian weapon! With them there are some persons with photo-and video equipment! Probably to prepare grandiose provocation!

Vitalis, Tyumen, RF

Paul, London
"breakaway regions" as they called now, NEVER before USSR were part of Georgia.Theese regions declareted independence from Georgia just after USSR broke, and Georgia tried to bring them back by force, but failed, and only Russia peacekeepers stopped them from killing each other till now

Maria, Moscow, Russia

We, Russians, did not fight against people, as Georgians do. We fight against fascist regime of Saakashvili, insane murderer who slaughter more than TWO THOUSANDS unarmed citizens of Russian Federation.
Genocide is not our weapon, but Georgia's.

Ilya, Omsk, Russian Federation

Bob from Camberwell - you do not know what you are talking about.. the Ossetians are not Russian and not Georgian.It was in fact Stallin who forcefully annexed Ossetia as part of Georgian Sovet Republic.See the last paragraph. Saakashvili is a war criminal and has to be punished!Russia's right

leopold, London, UK

Good guys live in good contry. Bad guys is in bad country. Bad guys come and blow up the tweens in sep,11 (3000 died). Good gays fight and bomb bad countrys....Now "good" gays blow up Tzhenvaly (2000 died) and "bad guys" came to pay back. Might be this tolk is more undestendebale for US... Wake up

Stanislav, Warshawa, Poland

7th of Aug'08, 23.00 Georgia open rapid fire on Tzhenval. City have being destroyed. Only 500 Russian peacekeepers at the border. Russia send the supporting troops only 8th Aug'08 at evening. Most population of South Osetia are citizens of Russian Federation. Must the country protect it's citizens??

Aziza, Dubai, U.A.E

Tell, that has made NATO when war on the Balkans - the beginnings of bombardment of Belgrad has begun, and then and at all conducted the armies as in their opinion Serbia wished to leave force under the control Slanting. So why Russia cannot make now too most concerning the Georgia which has destroy

Evgeniy, Tver, Russia

America and Britain are not in a position to wag their finger at Russia on grounds of her "violating the UN Charter" by invading an independent, sovereign state. The Ango-American invasion of Iraq took place without a Security Council mandate and without any offence, by Iraq, against either country.

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

Seems many people do not care who unleshed this war. Ok, lets say so. But think about concequences, People!!! If America gets involeved in this nobody can stop this. Do you want third world war? Russians have nothing agains Georgians, so do georgians, i belive. Just stop fire and TALK

Elena, Moscow, Russia

Can anyone please explain why the Georgian President sits under and EU flag. Secondly just what has the USA and Cheyney's right wing psccopaths been doing in Georgia?

Paul, Brussels,

Boys (and politicians) will always be BOYS.Unfortunately. Too bad only a precious few of them outgrow their boyhood and become MEN. Always playing with toys. Like arms. We are under God: Ossetians, Georgians, Russians... We're all temporal, so by no means OWNERS of this beautiful place - the Earth.

Oleg, St Petersburg, Russia

US military is overtaxed. Americans are tired of sending their soldiers off to fight other ppl's wars. NATO is over taxed with Afghanistan and member countries not living up to their obligations. 30-50% of the gas/oil used in the UK, Germany, France is supplied by Russia. No one will stop them.

David, Toronto, Canada

This is all we need now isn't it! A world power like Russia stretching it's legs in it's nabours backyard.

I hope it's not a "deal" between US and Russia so that they can take Georgia while the US can take Iran, as many are speculating.

We need peace in these troubled times! Love one another!

Andrew , Durham, England

This is getting ridiculous. Georgia started attacking S.Ossetia first. They also killed UN-approved peacekeepers, which are set out so that, in case of military invasion, the peacekeepers are there to protect and fight back the invasive force. How can Georgian take the moral high ground in this?

Chris, Cambridge,

Every nation has the right to protect its members against agression, especially if they live outside its borders. Or has it?

Remember Turkey in Cyprus... and stop your hysterical and hypocritical cries against Russia. Nobody, but nobody, fights for "democracy", but, put simply, for their interests.

Theophanis Theophanous, Limassol, Cyprus

The catastrophy of Georgia is the result of the irresponsible behaviour of the USA. In their naiv arrogance the Americans believe that they are entitled to gain influence in all the states that are members of the former SU. They don't respect the interests of Russia

Rolf-Peter , Gammertingen, Germany

Paul, London:
The reason is that those two regions have always been part of Georgia dating back to before the Russian Revolution, but as in Tibet (ethnic Chinese) and Palestine (Israeli), these areas have been settled by ethnic Russians who have always had a hatred of anything Georgian.

Bob, Camberwell, London, U.K.

Every one in the world, care Russian disinformation and propaganda. Georgians, we are thinking you. But I know that not help you.

mirjam, Jyväskylä, Finland

1. Putin is not the president of Russia anymore.
2. Saddam Hussein were deathly punished for a lot of human lives.Saakashvili killed thousands women and children and is being protected and supported by the US, why? Because Georgia is politically favorable country for the US and NATO.

Andrey, Red Lodge, US

To Alex, Brussel, what you just wrote is completely untrue. Killing Jews happened in past war Poland a few times, but in the biggest happening died 37 Jews, it's hard to clasify it as genocide. And what more these stories are known thanks to polish historicians and government. We know our guilts.

Kazimierz, Gdansk, Poland

´Hello everybody! I'm Oliver from Germany. So, my story the next. I have business in Russian, and one of my parter is company from Samara. So, direcror this company lives in North Ossetia. His mother lives in South Ossetia, and he have said me last year that Georgia will attack both republics.

Oliver, Berlin, Germany

Stalin was Georgian. Georgians protected themselves and consequently have started up rocket fire on are Russian to armies and all Tskhinvali has casually been destroyed. Ossetia are so silly that run to aggressors and ask from them protection. It seems to Georgians that Russian attack them. (transl)

Roman, Vladikavkaz, RF

What I don't understand, and I am no Russian history expert, is that when USSR was broken up why didn't South Ossetia and Abkhazia become part of Russia rather then part of Georgia?

Paul, London, England

The Russian propaganda machine is in full flow. Comments sections of every Western newspaper are flooded with messages from Russian supporters from every country describing the corruption and the hypocrisy in the West and extolling the virtues of the great Russian democracy. Old reflexes die hard.

Leunamme, Le Mans, France

Saakashvili claims that separatists have proked him into attacking his break-away province. Russia intervenes on behalf of separatists who can now claim independence based on the civilian deaths they have suffered under an indiscriminant bombardment.

So much for Kosovo being a 'Unique' precedent.

peter, sydney, australia

Russia has been waiting for this moment, finally a chance to flex its muscles and take moral/legal high road.
President Saakashvili gambled and lost Georgia's shirt, he should have known that america could not help him,.
The lesson is, If you poke the bear dont be surprised when you get mauled.

ibrahim, london, england

The warmongers in Israel, Britain and America who backed their Georgia puppet Government has to pay for this Genocide against Ossetia. Russia has acted with restraint and attacked only Military targets whilst the west attacked innocent civilians with barbarity. Another war crime by the west.

Arthur Guy, Gloucester, England

I do not know what Contolisa Rice whispered in President Saakashvili's ear last week but he has made a terrible mistake!
The Russians came in quite heavy handed so others will start take notice of them again!
Also Saakashvili appeared on TV making a speech and standing by the EU flag! Why?

Michael Vassou, London, UK

It's not a new Cold War. Russia's armed forces are nothing compared with the military might of the US, UK or France. Russia is simply trying to look tough by attacking a small country with a tiny army. Putin used South Ossetia as an excuse for punishing Georgia for its aspirations to join NATO.

Sandeep Singh, Leicester, United Kingdom

Good slap on the face of those propping tin-pot dictators around world to trouble neighbors and region!

Yesterday, it was reported that Georgian forces from Iraq would give a bloody fight! Today they are fleeing! Were they fighting women and children in Iraq?

US and allies can't do anything!

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

What have we all lost our minds and memories in a week. Russia didn't start this situation. If we put the same focus on Bush, Blair and Brown. They would be publicly accused of war crimes and threatened with trips to the Hague.

Bill Swenson, San Diego, US

Natia, SO is really a georgian territory and Russia doesn’t pretend on it.
Let’s assume that you have the right to kill civilian people of your own country. But do you have the right to kill international peacekeepers, who have the right to be there under the approval of UN, since 1992 ???

Andrey, Moscow,

We have a new cold war, not created by the west , but by the paranoia of Russia, she is becoming the enemy of the world. But Russia has a good cowardly pedigree of attacking small countries and this time NEEDS to be punished. Shame on Russia!!

philip, oxford, England UK

Kosovo didn't want to live with Serbia. Ossetian people don't want to live with Georgia too. Why Georgia are killing Ossetian? It's genoside....Europe - you are blind and has a double standarts...

alex, sydney, australia

The American backed and educated political stooges in Georgia are getting what they deserve. They mercilessly suppressed any opposition, e.g. police actions, beatings, trumped up charges, murders/assassinations, etc. President Saakashvili started bombing the hell out of South Ossetia first, because they refused to be under the control of Georgia. If the people of South Ossetia voted not to be part of Georgia 16 years ago, respect that!! Saakashvili and other politicians will be held accountable for all the suffering and numerous needless deaths.

Billy Bob, Georgia, USA

It's the sign for US "hawks" like McCain, Rice, Bolton, Bush, etc. They should keep away from Russia's borders and read again Fulbright's "Arrogance of Power".
Poland, they forgot THEIR genocide against Polish Jews in 1945-49.Now Estonian praises Nazi and SS.Small countries have short memory

Alex, Brussels, Belgium

The U.S. and Europe need to stop Russia in its tracks. This is a clear attempt by Russia to re-establish its glory days as The Evil Empire. We should immediatly grant the Ukraine membership in NATO if Russia does not withdraw from Georgia. This is not over.

John, Orlando, Florida, USA

Saakashvili is an idiot. He knew that trying to retake Ossetia would bring a strong Russian response. If the people of S Ossetia want to be reunified with their kin north of the boder, then simply allow it. If Kosovo can be stripped from Serbia then S Ossetia can be stripped from Georgia.

Neil, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

The current crisis is a result of the Georgian President's miscalculations. The response may have been disproportionate, but many nations have responded disproportionately to threats or attacks. Recent examples include the Israeli onslaught on Lebanon in retaliaton for attacks not even ordered by the Lebanese Govt. The US supported Israel throughout. Ultimately, Saakashvilli will rue his stupidity and must carry most of the blame!

James, London,

Russia's Putin has regressed from being Western style democracy. With a new oil refinery in Houston, TX, & other international business commitments proping up any otherwise lackluster Russian economy these block heads better withdraw now or loose the largest refinery in world in TX.
George Alabama

George Singleton, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

south ossetia is a georgian territory and it and russia has no right to interfere. and after all they have done in chechnya they hardly can be considered the force to restore peace. it is russia who has started the war in its attempt to prevent georgia from joining NATO

Natia, Tbilisi, georgia

People in USA and Europe, are you shure you have freedom of speech in you mass-media? It looks like not. You do not have real facts about the conflict in Georgia. Your journalists tell lies or hiding truth to you like we have in Soviet period. You are under brainwashing!

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

The Russians may be brutal, but their actions are logical. I don't understand the Georgian government. Why would they attack the capital of South Ossetia and kill scores of civilians? It seems like a provocation that the Russians could not ignore. The consequences should have been predictable.

DS, Palo Alto, USA

People, why Russia wants this war? We begin build our economic. We have a lot of our problems! We don't want the problem with Georgia and all world! Why you don't understand it? We want to have a friendship! we wont peace! We so wait it! We have a lot of wars in past! We like all cultures!

Maria, kazan, Russian Federation

nice picture is above! regular performance of nationalist Saakashvili for the West! Enjoooyyy! how many guards, cameras and journalists around and no any ossetians or Russian peacemakers! Do U think it's Ok Saakashvili impress U every day by spectaculars?

tata, Moscow, Russia

That the so-called SUPER-powers are so interested in their ability to "influence" smaller countries, is just really pathetic. I've got the biggest army and the longest oil pipe line. How primitive and barbaric.

Joe, Constance, Germany

We want peace! We tired from wars! We only begin build our economic! our life! our society! We want a friendship with all world!

Maria, kazan, russian Federation

To Id,Wuhu, China
You should put more attention to polish history then,we have every reason on earth to hate Russia,same as any other former 'communist block' nation,or even more. They killed no less Poles than Germans did.
Just Germans admit it and denazify, Russia continous their imperial policy.

Wojtek, Cracow, Poland

Russia is right, great job. The world has got the best evidence of that – Bush does not like Russian actions.

Alexey, Moscow,

Our planet and life are the best values!

Maria, Kazan, russian Federation

This should not be about oil, politics. This is about innocent civilians dying at the hands of another country. Has humanity completely been deleted from our jaded society? If we don't want to be "big brother" anymore then remove all troops, we can't pick and choose who we want to help.

Cadie, Fresno, United States

The irony. War-mongering, oil-grabbing, torturer, George Bush,chiding the Chinese about human rights and the Russians about invading sovereign countries. Double irony, Georgian troops interrupting their own illegal occupation of Iraq to high tail it back home. We never learn, do we?

TK, Houston, USA

Having just been working there, i can state that in the region of 4 out of 10 were solidly PRO- Russia and the way things were before the 'Rose revolution'. Maybe the Russians will not continue to Tbilisi but let the people wake up to what their leader has done to them and lynch him.

Ron Cross, Singapore, Singapore

The "Big Picture" here is that while there may disputes over who started it, the US has always helped the underdog and rebuilt the people that got their as kicked. Russia is helping Iran by removing the Georgian airfield support needed to keep Iran from bullying the world with Nukes! THINK.

Steve, Sarasota, USA!

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal.There was no need to attack S. Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were shot at by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

I cannot blame the russians for their response to the hideous and genocidal attack by georgia,a government supported by my own country.I offer my sympathies on behalf of all americans to the 2000 people slaughtered in South Osetia.It is time for the EU and NATO to turn their backs on the US now..

jeff, farmville,va, USA

I wont try to convince anyone but if there're ppl who want more information - you may listen to Serge Ivanov ( Deputy Prime Minister) answering a CNN reporter's questions - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoXuHl6V1Kg .
No one is ging to invade Georgia or any other former Soviet republic.Trust me.

Natalia, Moscow, Russia

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal. There was no need to attack S. Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were shot at by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

US has no armor to contest the Russian movement. Period. The blame game must acknowledge facts well known on the ground. What solutions do you suggest to the Georgia - Russia conflict, short of Russian mercy? Possibly Russian domination will be the solution. Another move on the chess board.

Edmund, New Jersey, USA

We cannot tolerate Saakshvili's regime who had kill more than 1,000 civilians only by bombardments of Ckhinval in two nights.

Jan Kowalski, Riga,

thanks from russia to the journalist who wrote this article and special thanks for this photo shot of the georgian president. it is nice to see the man who ordered a genocide of a tiny nation to be so scared. the most rutless mass murderers often turn out to be the biggest cowards.

rp, russia,

And so the pigeons come home to roost. Grim vindication for all of us who said that violations of international law by the USA would lead to untold mischief in the world.

The USA cannot claim any moral high ground having invaded other sovereign nations.

The price of hypocrisy is high!

Carl Street, San Francisco California , USA

About "opressed" Chechnya. There are currently 2 companies of "Vostok" Batallion operating in conflict zone. This is a special forces unit that consists of former guerillas who had sided with RF after 1st Chechen war. And yeah - Grozny is a prospering and peaceful city nowadays. Been there recently

Leo, Vladivostok, Russia

President Saakashvili is an adventurer or you may call him a criminal. He started the war. He had no need to attack S.Osetia and the Russian peacekeeping force stationed there. What reaction would you expect from Russia? How would your country react if your soldiers were attacked by a foreign army?

Paolo, Rome, Italy

History is repeating itself again. 1968 - Russia attacked Czechoslovakia and stayed there more than 20 years. 2008 - Russia attacks Georgia.... who will be next???

Marian, Trencin, Slovakia

I don`t know why nobody do nothing? Help us! Please! Russia is a good country with good people who want to live with all world! Why than USA come in Serbia we said "yes"? why than Russia came in South Ossetia we say "no"? Why? Is it democracy? Why your journalists say that Russia want to brake Ge

Maria, Kazan, Russian Federation

Come on, the USA should be the last one to blame Russia, just look at how much blood in your hands, WAR CRIMINAL!!!

Tanaka, Sopporo, Japan

We want to control whole georgian territory, because they can launch their missiles from the motheland. And don't forget about 1500 peple who were ultra-violent killed by georgian armoured troops. Israel did the same actions in Palestine. Our government just wanna find Sookashvili and judge him.

Anton, Tomsk, Russia

***Igor from Moscow forgets that Russia's old benvolent dictator, Herr Stalin, forcibly absorbed Georgia into the Soviet Union and subserviated it for 70 some odd years.***
Frank, Lynnwood, US

hahahaha Frank. your comment is funny given that Stalin AKA Dugashvili was a georgian!!

di, london, uk

"The US hasn't won a war against an equal opponent since 1812."

Doug, the whole point is to be a greater force than your enemy.

Duke R. Keith, El Paso, TX, USA

I am really not a fan of any type of wars and military actions.

However,
I would wish many of you just not to draw this world in black and white with "total good" and "total evil".

1. Saakashvili is not a hero and not even a democrat.
2. Tshinvali is in ruins and bodies
3. US has interest

Andrei, Novosibirsk, Russia

I am entirely supportive of my government's actions. Why should we any longer tolerate a regime near our borders which is hostile to us and which is headed by a psychatricaly ill president? Mr Saakashvli must return to his masters in the US immediately and only this may reinstate piece in Georgia!

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

It is interesting to see that Poland hate Rossia more than Germany which killed thousands of poland people during ww2

ld, wuhu, China

To Andrew, St.Ives, Cambs
"Chechnia has the right to become independent from Russia."

But Chechnia does't want to become independent any more...

Valery, Krasnoyarsk (Siberia), Russia

"Payback time for Iraq, Afghanistan and all the 70 odd countries that were victims of US invasion or gross inference "

Even accepting this, are the Georgian people (the only one really suffering) to blame? Can one care about "victims of US invasion or gross inference" and be so indifferent to them

Summers, Menlo Park, CA, USA

How about we see it for what it is- those of us who are in the know; it is the beginning of world war; it is part of the end-game brought about by total evil and a blind desire for a new world order that will rule whoever survives the global 'armageddon'. Everything else is just 'small' talk.

Skelly, Washington, DC, USA

Guys, if south ossetia and abkhazia are the parts of Georgia why weren't they controled by georgia before this august? Why are there no georgian people living there, why don't they speak georgian language and why president saakashvili couldn't lure those lands back? 15 years

Oreon, Moscow, Russia

Oh how black you are, cry's the pot!

henry adams, Manchester, UK

Georgia started the war by shelling and invading S. Ossetia, if Kosovo can be independant which the US/UK/EU have allowed, why not S. Ossetia? Russia has the right and the responsibility to protect it's people in S. Ossetia and render Georgia the US puppet a lame duck in the least or a protectorate

Don, Terrace, Canada

Pure staging! Haven't you all seen that Saakashvili was not attacked in Gori! They staged it as very poor actors! Haven't you noticed that people standing near were neither running nor hiding! If they had been attacked, the camera man wouldn't shoot Saakashvili so clearly! It's obvious!

Annie, Ekaterinburg, Russia

It seems Bush does consider Russia to be a strong threat to "US-provided world peace".Saakashvili will drown in blood of the people he murdered in Ossetia,though his conscience n shame must have been good sold to DC.I'd strongly recommend to do more research for those fooled by westen biased media.

Ekaterina, Khabarovsk, Russia

Bush said Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected.
Bush said Serbia's territorial integrity must not be respected.
Where is the logic?
Greg, Miami, USA
Good question isn't it?

Peter, Aradan, Russian Federation

Shock and Awe baby... Shock and Awe...

UK/US/Israel and those that laughed at the 11 million people who stood shoulder to shoulder against the war in Iraq, have no leg to stand on, in condeming Russia.

Jack Harris, Detroit, USA

"Georgia said..." , "Georgia said..." Where is the famous British pluralism? You like to see alert in Russia so you even do not want to hear other opinion.

Kirill, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation

Noone mentioned the fact yet that Mishiko Saakashvilli, Georgian president, actually holds US citizenship, and is married to a Dutch citizen, Sandra Roelofos. If Mexican citizen were president of United States, would YOU feel that he has US interests at heart or maybe lean a bit towards Mexico?

Stan, Ottawa, Canada

I'm glad someone is finally standing up to the criminals that run my government. I was hoping for the U.S. Congress, but I'll take what I can get.

Thomas, Binghampton, USA

People!!!!!!!!!!!!! You deceive!!!!!!!!!!!! Not Russia has attacked Georgia, and Georgia has attacked South Ossetia!!! To you impudently say lies, because your president supports Georgia, do not trust! Come on Russian portals and read, how all is actually!!!!!!!! Georgia killed peace people severely and ruthlessly, there there were children, old men, and they regretted nobody!!!!!!!!

Olesya, Moscow, Russia

Osetia side: 30000 refugees, Capital destroyed, 1000 peaceful citizens dead in FIRST day of conflict! now more than 2000 dead!
Russia: 2 jets, 15 peacekeepers are dead!
And what Georgia? They are all alive and helthy. Do you know about any refugees from Georgia? Of course, you don't! There aren't any.

Irine, Krasnodar, Russia

Guys,no one here wants war. Osetia is not part of Georgia, there was a vote in January 1992 and 98 % wished S.O. to be independent and be part of RF agan. Osetia was independent but was forced into Gerogia during the Soviet period. Think about it. 98 per cent. If you need links just let me know.

Natalia, Moscw, Russia

Oh, when you say "human race" do you mean US and Co that bombed Serbia and encouraged the Kosova secession? That are still in Iraq?

Ray, San Diego, US

Those sinister russians shurely convince Mr. Shakashvili (the georgian pesident) to attack S. Osetia, as a casus belli, to justify their take up of Georgia! Come on John! Since when a super power care about the human rigths in general?
This is about economic and military strategic point!

Ricky, mexicali, mexico

Being neutral on the issue my view is that President Saakashvili of Georgia was extremely stupid to attack South Ossetia and give Russia the excuse to invade Georgia.

Only time will tell what the true intentions of Putin’s Russia really are. In the meantime we can all hazard our guesses.

Maz, Karachi, Pakistan

Saakashvili was born in the SAME DAY with Stalin 21 of December! Think about it.

Sergey, Moscow,

I feel the shame for West democraties! Haven't we learned from WW2? The same way Chech was anexed by Hitler... Expecting Putin is better than other dictators? Who is next? Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldavia! Then Ukrain, Latvia, Estonia! YOU WON'T AVOID CONFLIT WITH THE GUY WHO IS LOOKING FOR IT!

Kristijonas, Vilnius, Lithuania

Why don't you show the american citizen, a witness of all this situation and who is married to the Georgian woman, having spoken out. He clearly said that the USA would not tell people the truth, that the USA consciously presents Russia as the agressor but it was GEORGIA who started the war!!!

Annie, Ekaterinburg, Russia

Just compare the shooting taken in Georgia by the Western journalists and shootings from South Osetia taken by the Russian journalists and you'll see were there is the real war! How many western journalists are wounded? Why don't they shoot from Osetia? While the Russian journalists were wounded!

Annie, Ekaterinburg, Russia

What a sad day for Georgia it looks like 1968 all over again. This is an invasion of a free country if it was not they would have stop after controling the cities they wanted but now they are going in Georgia Capital for what? to set up a Russian puppet goverment that will say yes to the Kremlin.

Bruno, ROME,

the U.S. and Israel set this up to distract Russia from the impending attack on Iran. The U.S. fleet is setting up for a blockade of Iran, see 'After Dowining Street' article. The people of Georgia now suffer as have the Iraqi's and american soldiers. This evil plan has now begun!! Help!

Doug, Kalispell,

John from Philly, where you been getting your info? The way I see it, Russia has basically been minding its own business for the past few years, Bush and Co are the ones pushing and Russia now has decided to take a stand. I'm sick paying hi gas! You best find a better source of info dude......

Jim, Topeka, US

I don't know who started this conflict, but Russia is not accepting the peaceful end that Georgia is pleading for. Russia also continues to slaughter innocent civilians and the overmatched Georgian military. This war should be over by now, but Russia continues on. Russia is clearly the aggressor.

Ron, Tampa, USA

You can not compare Kosovo and Georgia, Kosovo is a part of Serbia. Kosovo is a clear case of Albanian 50 year occupation of Serbian teritory and the case of the creatio of great Albania. Have you ever wondered why the so called Kosowars wave Albanian flags and talk Albanian language?

Oliver, Perth, Australia

How is it Russia produces great chess champions, artists and thinkers but becomes moronic when picking its leaders? Fine, criticize Bush. Putin is worse using Hitler's excuse to invade and all we hear is how we're duped by our media. Pay attention to flawed Russian history for the end of this story.

Duke R. Keith, El Paso, TX, USA

#4: And don't compare SO to Chechnya. As it clearly turned out, wahabi chechens did NOT want independence (which the de facto had got since 1996)! They wanted WAR and attacked their caucasian neighbours! While Abkhazians and Ossetians only want to be left alone, free of georgian threats!

Alan, Magas, Caucasus

Look at the facts: US/israel have advisers in Georgia; They both supply Georgia with weapons; the US just finished a lengthy training exercise in Georgia;Georgian defense minister is an israeli; Georgia started this conflict by shelling Russian troops, killing 10 and wounding 30. Zionists start wars

Christopher Marlowe, San Diego, California

"You go to war with the army you have, not the army you want."
~Donald Rumsfeld

I'm pretty certain the US-backed Georgian war w/ Ossetia (which has been autonomous for a decade), was timed to get in the way of Russian support for the coming war in Iran. But, it looks like it backfired. Oops.

Markov, Victoria, Canada

In the theatre of war there are many plays, one currently playing in Georgia is called 'oil'.

richard mccance, nottingham, england

richard mccance, nottingham, england

If you remember the Sudetenland Crisis you should not forget that it was the UK Prime Minister Chamberlain and Co who approved Hitler's invasion by sighning a treaty. Maybe you also think it was the West who won the World War II?

Shawn, Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Sadly, Georgia miscalculated. Russia is right to stand up to this naked aggression. I feel sorry for the Georgian people for following such foolish leadership. Georgia will be disarmed. The Western Press needs to get up too speed on what reality looks like, because your spin is visible.

Michael , Oregon, USA

Saakashvili's been preparing this war for many years (georgian military budget was about 10% of GDP) while Russia's been telling him "Please, don't do it Mikhail".
But he was blessed and armed to teeth by US and finally did it .
Now his's got a war he wanted. Let him enjoy.

Sergey, Tomsk, Russia

This poor little Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili was scared.

ML, Melbourne,

Maybe Obama could give a speech. That would show them!

Rudolph Randitti, Leeds, UK

It's false iformation. Georgian agressor strike to Tshinvali all this night. Many Russian civilians died today. You must understand WHO IS WHO!

Mikhail Lavoshnikov, Moscow, Russia

Stalin was Georgian. Think about it.

Michael , Portland, USA

Had Georgia not attacked, had Georgia not reneged on its promise not to resort to force in S.Ossetia Russia would not have stepped in. Inter alia, peacekeeping aims to protect the attacked side. That's what Russia did. No conspiracy theory this time. Georgia is a bully who should be taught a lesson

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Since when did Russia care about the human rights of its own people, let alone its neighbors. This is all about Russia's desire to blackmail Europe with oil and gas.

John, Philadelphia, PA,

whether one agrees or disagrees with the russian/georgia situation in reality what they are doing is no different than what the US, UK, have been doing for years. Lets not forget that the US, and UK invaded Iraq and inpart because of the kerds in a civil war situation. That's pompous n selfrighteous

Glenn, salmon arm, canada

Replace S.O. with "Kosovo", Gerogia with "Yugoslavia" and Russia with "US led force". You might use "Iraq" instead of Yugoslavia as well. Did the picture change? Wake up 2 reality!

Van Zong, Berlin,

Go Russia, don't give legitimacy to Stalin's borders as Americans gave to Tito's anti-Serb borders.

Lazar, Beograd, Srbija

The allies should bomb Russian troops in Georgia with cruse missiles give to georgian army. Close all Russian embassies in the free world, and expel all Russian diplomats, declare sever economic sanction on exports from Russia. Send troops from NATO to help Georgia throw out Russian occupiers.

John, Atlanta, GA

Nice to see Russia getting back in the game. The US bully is facing some real opposition at last. Payback time for Iraq, Afghanistan and all the 70 odd countries that were victims of US invasion or gross inference since 1945. And with US forces essentiall fully deployed, Bush has dwindling options.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

It seems like everyone is so concerned with Georgia independence and Russia invasion, not people lives. Isn't it cynical to talk about democracy while killing people in their own country? It's easier to make osetians silent by simply exterminating them, and Saakashvilli does indeed undestand that.

Anna, LA, US

Why do you think GEORGIA STARTED the offensive, which killed about 1400 civilians, during the beginning of the Olympic Games? It was in order to explain why Western mass media absolutely didnt pay attention to it until Russia was involved to represent it as AGRESSION.
Try to be unbiasses, please

Andrew, Moscow,

One hundred per cent behind Russia, here. The buck stops here! One hundred per cent against ethnic cleansing by israeli-US-trained Georgian forces. Georgia is led by a pretentious and stupid wannabe-european bully. Russia should crush the entire georgian military infrastructure, once and for all.

Lucas, Lanaudière,

There is no country who can mess with Russian bear.
The only way to win russians is to tear it apart. Independent movements within the RF. But, destabilization of Russia will bring about many other problems that may lead to the end of the world. So, just let the west shut up and watch.

Maximus, seoul, korea

It's all about oil. Nobody fights for democracy or any similar idiotic ideas. Americans - how is your "war on drugs" going, or any other lunatic idea your "democratically elected" morons came up with? Afghanistan, Iraq? Europeans - Serbia? Will you get natural gas supply from Russia this year?

Jack, Toronto,

in 3 years Britain and America will again be fighting for the freedom of europe. we fail to stand up for georgia, russia gets even more confidant and annexes the likes of ukraine poland and latvia, EU makes a show of defence then cries like a girl.
we need to rearm NOW

anyone surprised really?

Will, grimsby, uk

TO: Kelly Van Rijn -- please read history books before trying to pose -- it was Chechen warlords/gangs who attacked Russia in 1999 by blowing up several apartment complexes in Moscow, shooting down civilan planes and invading neighboring russian region. NOT Russia! This time Russia is saving Ossetia

Nik, Seattle, US

A little of the over-all picture:

http://www.rense.com/general82/begin.htm

Lucas, Lanaudière,

The US military is over-stretched trying to handle two small insurgencies in two tiny, insignificant countries. What makes the American hawks on this forum think that they can fight a real country with a real modern military, like Russia? The US hasn't won a war against an equal opponent since 1812.

Doug, NYC, USA

Welcome to the New Cold War, eighteen years in the making and ready for a long run.

Al , Tracy Ca., USA

so NATO wants to dictate to Russia, ok go ahead.

miki, toronto,

This is not Iraq - this is the Sudentenland. Putin wants to rebuild the Soviet Empire, just as Hitler tried to rebuild the German one and the supine response of the West will only encourage him. Until we show the Russians the downside to their new imperialism, he will continue. Why wouldn't he?

Simon, Bangkok, Thailand

Stand Georgia stand. Many of want to stand with you. To the West , Wake up and realise that Russia is playing out the a re run of 1968 in Prague. Putin is running for the oil. The BTC pipeline that is vital to western interests - and unless we do something now to fight back it will be too late.

Tim Rogers, London,

Witness Russia exercising the veto on its neighbors choice of friends. The US waits to be dealt a better hand before making its next move and Europe is worried somebody might turn the lights off. Where then is our opinionated Foreign Secretary and his cabinet colleague's? Must be still on holiday.

Steve, Cheshire, United Kingdom

To Matt Funk, Santa Ana, CA

Does this mean we can go ahead and invade Mexico? It would sure solve a lot of our problems.

Andy, Florida, USA

If Ossetia is part of Georgia no country should interfere with its problems unless Georgia asked for help and that is what Georgia is doing now and nobody does anything to help. Should the UN gathered all the interested parts for a round talk about pipelines to stop killings?

Alice Pereira, Sintra , Portugal

Great article! Thank you very very much! First 3 days I was shocked by what West media tells and how different it to Russian's. Just go backwards and read again. IDo not forget, Osetia has no own media, Russian's ignored, so all was judged from Saakashvilli words. Thanks again!

Dmitri, Melbourne,

To the Israeli government of Georgia I would say, next time think, before you allow the US and Israel push you into a confrontation with Russia(who was in the right this time).

Jeanette, Arlington, Texas, USA

Russia is absolutely in the right. If the Georgians want so bad to integrate the Ossetians and Abkhazians into Georgia, then why did the Georgians indiscriminately fire missiles directly at the civilian population in Ossetia and kill over 1,000 in two nights?

Landers, Jacksonville, USA

How many of you bloggers have actually been to Georgia? I worked there in '98 and the Russians were trying their damnedest to destabilise the country then. Fought tooth and nail to stop the pipeline going through Georgia. Trying to re-form the old USSR under any other guise. Oil & Control!

Mike Kunz, Launceston, Australia

I suspect that propaganda is rife on all sides. The Russians believe theirs, and we are trying to get to grips with ours!

All I know is that a pipeline seems to be in danger, and someone has overstepped the mark somewhere, giving the Russians an excuse to move in. And stay! Just like Iraq!

Carrie, London,

Oh I do not know Philip - I remember carpet bombing of Serbia, Irak, Afganistan, Somalia, Vietnam, Hiroshima, Nagasaki. All great examples of the US democracy - to which Russia still has to look up to. I hear cries of Fallujah and Basra. And I think to myself what a wonderful world of NATO democracy

Sofia, London, Canada

How enjoyable time I've had reading all those comments from Cowboys who do still belive that Rambo is film based on true story.USA and EU can do nothing to stop Russia made those killers pay for crime they've commited.

marco, London, UK

Russia has no problem leveling Chechnya to prevent it from breaking away, then goes and levels Georgia when Georgia attempts to prevent its breakaway province from leaving. Which only goes to prove: you can take Russia out of the Soviet Union, but can never take the Soviet Union out of Russia.

Kelly Van Rijn, Arnhem, Netherlands

Georgia's present borders were created by Stalin (a Georgian who ruled the Soviet Union when Poland was subsumed, by the way) and did not reflect the historic Kingdom of Georgia's borders. Ninety percent of South Ossetia's population holds Russian passports by choice.

Zoe Pierson, Kodiak, AK, USA

If South Ossetia has the right to become independent from Georgia - then Chechnia has the right to become independent from Russia.

Andrew, St.Ives, Cambs,

Kosovo demographics in 16th century
1455: Turkish cadastral tax census (defter)[11] of the Brankovic dynasty lands (covering 80% of present-day Kosovo)
13,000 Serb dwellings present in all 480 villages and towns

75 Vlach dwellings in 34 villages

46 Albanian dwellings in 23 villages

Dima, Sofia, Bulgaria

Georgia is, unlike russia, a democratic country,with frontier lines estabilished since 1990. If south ossetians feel bad about being georgians they should move to russia instead russia moves to georgia. I would like to see the "red army´s" movements if U. S had military bases in that area.

rui, bragança, portugal

The moral equivalency of our European friends is shocking with Russia's invasion of Georgia. You can almost hear the ghosts of Sudetenland, Alsace, and Lorraine . . .

Chris, Los Angeles, USA

South Ossetia is part of Georgia, not Russia. Russia has invaded Georgia to interfere in a civil war that has been going on for a long time. Russia has no business invading Georgia. Examine Russia;s motives. Georgia as part of NATO is unacceptable so close to Russian border. Ukraine is next.

Sigmond, Patriotic, USA

We've had russian ''peacekeepers'' army stationed for over 45 years in Poland, they will never change, they are OCCUPANTS!! they will do the same with Georgia and any other country!

Tom, Krakow, UK

No doubt at all that Russia was up and ready for a provocation else how could they attack so decisively on such short notice with army, air and naval forces all coordinated almost over night. Give the bear an excuse for a meal and it will tear apart any one in its way.

Michael Jay, Tucson, AZ, USA

Russia is doing exactly what the US is doing. US just doped the Georgian to keep the Russian occupied. It's the honor among the thieves. EU/NATO just don't have the will to fight the Russian. It's a big boys' game.

George, SF, USA

Hey, people... I so understand it is necessary to make the deep analysis of a situation which have occured in region of caucasus. very difficultly to understand a situation because the point of view is separated

vitaly shvedov, Murmansk, Russia

I see so many comments decrying the Russians. To them, I would ask:

"What would you do if your neighbor was denied all political rights, killed because of their ethnicity and, finally, had the military set on their civilian population?"

That is just what the Ossetians got from the Georgians.

Matt Funk, Santa Ana, USA

Vladimir Putin has just guaranteed the existence of NATO forever. Does he really think we've forgotten the Sudetenland Crisis? The South Ossetia issue was phony, and this invasion of Georgia on two fronts by well-organized armored forces was obviously going to happen no matter what Georgia did.

Vance P. Frickey, Denver, Colorado, USA

Where were the Russian critics during the Lebanon war, when Israel bombed and invaded after TWO (2) soldiers were kidnapped? Where were they when Tony Blair justified bombing Belgrade civilian targets far away from the conflict in Kosovo? Russia is following examples from the west!

Jose , New Brunswick, US

MK from Oklahoma - move to Russia, where you'll doubtless be just as welcome as Aldrich Ames would be, and for the same reason.

Vance P. Frickey, Denver, Colorado, USA

people, can't you understand that all the wars are about money. be it in form of oil, gas or any other substance. money is the main motive in such game. international bankers sponsor opposing countries, weaponry being sold and credits granted. money and nothing else.

evgeny inkin, moscow, russia

Russian response is not excessive. Russia is targeting military installations where their enemy can regroup and cause further harm. Remember 911, we devastated a country because a terrorist responsible was on their soil. Georgia is a nation and this was an act of war, they should be put out of bus

Alex, Los Angeles, USA

Has an American 'advisor' to the Georgian Army been caught by the Russians - reports one has been caught in S Ossetia and is being currently interrogated... Reports of many coloured mercenaries bodies in black uniforms lying on the streets of S Ossetia....... There are many questions 2b answered

R McAuley, Antrim, UK

What the article failed to mention - the only reason why Russian troops entered the cities was to disarm the military basis used to conduct offences against the South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Now, after they finished doing that, they have withdrawn.

Alexey, London, United Kingdom

It looks that a lot of readers do not understand that Ossetians are not 'ethnic Russians', and never try to understand what Caucasus is.

It's pity to abserve people judge what they do not understand.

Victor, St.Petersburg, Russian Federation

I feel sorry for the people of UK and USA. I feel sorry because in my country with its "undeveloped" democracy I have an opportunity to see all the versions. Most mass media in US and UK, this"etalons of democracy" tell their citizens only what is profitable for the goverenments of this states.

George, Moscow, Russia

Where is the promissed support from NATO and USA??? Where is the troops??? they have to send some over there Russians are quite stupid but they wont fire to NATO forces. Russians will destroy democratic country and all western world dont give a monkey. I was born in ocupied country by russians :(

Henry, London, UK

So pre emptive intervention is fine as long as your name begins with a "B", and the rules apply except for Russia. The only information we get us from the media who told us that Georgia requested a cease fire on wednesday then went on to blast S Ossetia that night. At least Russia waited until then!

Jim, Norwich, uk

to poland
don't you forget how many times you did try to seize our land?
and sweden tried the same to? but you all had defeat.
You can't forget that we Russian won? haha, you are too trifling. and when you need smth whom you ask? Russia, pleease help us, pleease we need your money and energy, ha!

Eugene, Moscow, Russia

Well Robert I don't - the fact is many S Ossetians were murdered in cold blood... And that is a War Crime and it must be dealt with properly. All parties Georgian and others concerned in that initial assault on defencless people and peacekeepers must be tried for war crimes.

R McAuley, Antrim, UK

Here you so argue that Russia an aggressor. And somebody heard about Tskhinvali? Tskhinvali is the ossetic ground, and not so Georgian! The Georgian armies on August, 8th have brutally killed 2000 person from the peace population!!!!!! it refers to a genocide!

Alexander, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Hopefully this will be a lesson for all of the American puppets like Saakashvili to not mess with the Russian Bear.

MK, Oklahoma, USA

It is amazing to watch the hypocritical Americans and Brits complain about Russian "aggression", despite that fact that these two warmongers have invaded Iraq and Afghanistan, killed millions of civilians and now have the temerity to criticize Russia for acting to protect its ethnic people.

sam, Edmonton, Canada

Hitler in 1938 all over again. Does Putin think we will forget?

Robert, Tampa, USA

Doesn't it looks strange - Georgians were bombing their own city, killing their own citizens just to make their own country united together... would anybody like to live under such goverment after that?

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Sounds like the bad old Russians of the Cold War era are back. In spades. Hungary all over again. It's tragic that Western Europe has let itself become energy-dependent on these gangsters.

Mark S., Seattle, Washington, USA

You Russian apologists make me laugh. This is pure expantionism by the rapid Bear. Regardless if Ossetia want their independence, they are still in Georgian territory. If Michigan wanted its Indepence and 'declared' it was, that doesn't make is so.

Mark, CA, USA

Inshallah, Chechens stand with Georgians against the imperialist aggressor!!!

Omar Mubarak-Suarez, San Slavador, El Salvador

-tateishi

what are you talking about???

what does "the west" have to gain by russia invading georgia? what possible motivation would we have? theres nothing to gain

do you know what NATO is? north atlantic treaty organization a group of like-minded democracies.

please do more research.

tyler, seattle, united states

Ossetians are not "ethnic Russian settlers". They are Caucasian people who lived there for centuries along with Georgians, Abkhazs, etc.

Dr Theodore Voronov, Manchester, UK

Russia shows same cynism as Hitler's Germany and Stalin's USSR, it is out of discussion that individual (even few millions of individuals) and their lives were never representing any value for Russia rulers, the question is will Europe and U.S.A. act again like Neville Chamberlain in Munich 1938 and make another Czechoslovakia out of Georgia legalizing Russian invasion. I hope Europe won't show cowardness again.

Be brave Georgians free world stand by your side !

Wojtek, Cracow, Poland

There are two immediate reasons of the conflict :
1) Soviet internal administrative borders became state borders; 2) all post-Soviet Georgian governments wanted to create a mono-ethnic state. No room was left for Abkhazs and Ossetians in such a state.

Dr Theodore Voronov, Manchester, UK

I am almost agreeing with Tommy Jack. God's in his heaven, the sun will rise in the east, the Russians are aggressive. Look at the map. Obviously warm water port. Russians have wanted one for years. Look at Afganistan. Look at how the Russians built their empire. Shades of liebenstrom.

Burke White, Marion, United States

The people in Georgia will have to take on the "Bear" without help from the west. We can't sustain another battlefront and the Russkies know it ! Good Luck!!

greg, Urbana,

And you do not listen to russian news, you don't want to.. there some very good facts, videos and pictures that come soon to your ears and eyes, it that Georgea did want war with Russia, but not alone, with the help of US and some other countries.. NMD is now everywhere, around Russia! Instresting!

Otto , Oulu, Finland

@Martin
Georgia had 2,000 troops in Iraq and (obviously), needed them to return to Georgia ASAP. The US Airlift Command obliged. Why shouldn't an ally under attack have all its troops at home?

Andre, Portland, USA

Steve,

You are correct. It is a messy situation on both sides, but Russia has taken this too far. They've moved beyond just the disputed territory...I guess Putin must really want that pipeline.

It's a bit embarrassing though that the US or the EU hasn't at least sent more humanitarian aid.

Alex, Portland, OR, USA

All mainstream media are chronic and formal purveyors of propaganda and falsehood, and they delete important information. In the case of the situation being discussed, it is absolutely clear that the Georgian attack on autonomous South Ossetia was aggressive war,causing much death and destruction

Robert Bruce, Hastings,

why do people keep compariing south ossetia to kosovo or iraq or even korea. when we the west invade a country it is in defence of freedom, you might hate the iraq war, but it is a free democracy as is south korea. u really think ossetia and georgia is going to be a free country under putin?pig flys

will, grimsby, uk

Richard, England,
Do you live in England. I thought you all believed in Democracy. Read my sentence closer. The EU is still a joke. By the way, it was our grandfathers that fought to free Europe and we would do the same today. Always remember that.

Jerry, Phoenix, USA

Russia is a permenant member on the UN security council with veto power, so dont expect any comment or action on their part. And the rest of the world (including the USA) wont move against Russia which has a nuclear arsenal, it is called ballance of power. Georgia is on its own in this.

Mike, Bristol,

Russia cut ff the gas in January. They had thier goons beat up people when Georgia was voting democratically. Russia is embracing the old once again and it will fall flat on it's face once again. These communist Governments are nothing by mafias who get things done by control and fear tactics. USA

Javier, El Paso, USA

Igor from Moscow forgets that Russia's old benvolent dictator, Herr Stalin, forcibly absorbed Georgia into the Soviet Union and subserviated it for 70 some odd years.

Frank, Lynnwood, USA

If you address to the international historical sources you learn, that AFTER DISINTEGRATION OF THE USSR UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW GEORGIA SHOULD GRANT THE AUTONOMIES (TO ABKHAZIA AND OSSETIA) THE RIGHT OF A NATIONAL REFERENDUM TO SELF-DETERMINATION. UNDER the LAW!!! Think about it!

Marina, Kazan, Russia

America won the cold war, but did not defeat Russia militarily, much like Germany lost World War 1, but they were not defeated militarily. We had to fight them again. Russia believes the same thing, they were not defeated militarily, so they think they can win this one. Russians are bad troops.

Joel Weymouth, Lemoyne PA, USA

The Georgian (yes, Georgian, not Russian) officials 've already declared that no Russian troops entered Gori this far (on BBC). So this whole "onslaught" comment sounds just nice.

Jose, Moscow,

This is not good and it's only going to get worse, but I do criticise both America and United Kingdom who are pretty much taking sides without seeing both sides of the conflict. The Russian reaction is more forceful than it should be. But Georgia shouldn't be seen as the victim.

Cristhian, Vancouver, Canada

The Russians have never had anything but ulterior motives.
A nation of liars, cheaters, rapists. God help the Georgians.

TommyJack, Texas, USA

To Oleg, St. Petersburg,

Tovarisch, thanks for repelling the Nazi invaders, thanks for the Great Patriotic War. All glory to Mother Russia!

Now how about your remembering the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, dismembering Poland, taking the Baltic States, Katyn, Bessarabia, Finland, etc., etc.

Nelson, Reston, VA, USA

Georgia is a Federation, Ossetians are Georgian in the same way that Scots are British. There are dozens of ethnic groups that comprise Georgia and they are all "Georgian" but they all have their own culture. Ossetians live in Tblisi, that they are to be ethnically cleansed is a complete lie. (part1

Greg, NYC, USA

Could someone explain whether the people of Ossetia have a history of their own, are they a separate nation or are they simply Russian settlers which formed part of the earlier russification process of the USSR (as is the case in other former soviet republics). I think it makes a big difference.

robert, salisbury, uk

Stalin (sorry Putin) moved into Georgia. That is the beginning of the rebirth of the Soviet Union whom he longs for. This is just like Putin (err Stalin - I keep getting the two mixed up) invading Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Eastern Poland, I could keep going on but would run out of space

Frank, Lynnwood, USA

Russia has no right to go past the provinces of S. Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Russia is violating Georgia's soveignty and should be punished for doing so.

David, Chicago, United States

What do you know - it seems that Russian "peace keeping" mission is spreading widely into Georgia's territory - how far till Gazprom seizes control of the pipelines? Once this objective is achieved Tsar Putin will punish those who openly criticized his actions by increasing prices of gas/oil.

Tomasz, Krakow, Poland

After the Russians secure the area populated by ethnic Russians they should cease operations.

Dave, Lake Forest, USA

You folks from the UK have learned nothing from the first 2 world wars.

Clarence, Ft. Lauderdale, USA

Russia has not changed significantly since 1700 - if anyone an see any difference between Tsar Romanov, Tsar Stalin and Tsar Putin, could they please speak up ...?

Feliks Kwiatkowski, Haywards Heath,

The West lied and provoked Russia: first they promised that the West is not expanded to the doorsteps of Russia, which was broken by the West as they were talking the expansion of Nato to Georgia and Ukraina, and putting missile bases on Czek and Poland, and now the West allowed the start of the war

tateishi, Buenos Aires,

This isn't about South Ossetia anymore. This about Georgia's right to be free of Russian domination. Hey, the Bear is back, if anyone doubted this before.

I expect NATO to do little to nothing, if past experience is any guide. We're too civilized to actually defend any country's right to exist.

Leo Leone, San Jose, Costa Rica

Media biassed as usual. When Israel retaliated against Lebanon two years ago, the TV screens didnt stop showing footage, where is this footage now, when it seems that the Russian army is on an onslaught and all reports are of many dead. Where is the world outcry. Why wait till wed till EU Meet?

jon, london,

Ethnic Ossetians have a right to live in peace without discrimination in Georgia and fully participate in Democracy, but Georgia also has a right to secure parts of its country currently in the hands of seperatist rebels. Russia has no role to play as "peacekeepers" since they are combatants.

Greg, NYC, USA

Chatting with a Russian freind I told her that a freind of mine was in Tibiisi today. I was shocked that her reaction was to defend her government rather than express concern for the individual.

Paul Adams, Chester,

All of Asia is aware of Russia's inferiority complex!! They never cease to look for new and "old" ways to rattle the saber. They've anticipated this for months, and waited hopefully for this opportunity. It is no coincidence that they responded so quickly with superior troops and fire power!

Dan, Huntsville,

Does any Russian writing here understand that Osetia is part of Georgia? Did all those, who are so furius about what Georgia troops did, were so furius against war in Chechnya?

Karolina, Katowice, PL

Georgia stuck its head in the lion's mouth. It was their choice to align with the US, but that doesn't mean the US should come running when they act callously. I by no means support the Russians, but they are taking the logical actions. I believe Putin is one of the most intelligent world leaders.

Bryan, NY, NY, USA

I never understood that "Democratic" means automatically being an American ally..Georgia is far from Democracy after suppressing opposition and bombing people in South Ossetia just because of their independence aspiration .Why the west offered that so easily to Kosovo?

stefanos, London, uk

If this doesn't send the message to drill here for oil now I don't know what will! Everyone reading this should demand that our representatives get back to Washington now and approve the package to start drilling before this Russian adventure ripples through the oil markets! How dumb are you!!!

Jenny, Cleveland, USA

Russians are right. Ossetians are a Slavicized Iranian tribe, the Croats from Afghanistan who didn't continue the journey to Adriatic Sea in Europe. If you were a South Ossetian, wouldn't you want to be a citizen of Russian Federation? Governments need better historians to do analysis.

Shirley Jackson, Warsaw, Zagreb, Brussels, EU

So Georgia can attack South Ossetia and kill Russian peace keepers and civilians, but when Russia defends itself, suddenly Georgia is the victim??? You people make no sense.

Dominick, NY, USA

Those who have compared this to the cold war are on the money. NATO is Snugging up way too close to Russia. Russia attacked those who attacked their allies, be it a country or a breakaway province. http://rense.com/general82/dcnuke.htm Read the whole article.

Matthew, Easton, USA

Sudetenland. Sudetenland. SUDENTENLAND! If this means nothing to you, then please understand that your ignorance will lead to the deaths of millions of people, like the ignorance of those, like you, did back in 1938. Russia respects only force and diplomacy is only a tool to extend Russian power

Gareth Hyndman II, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

And now there's an ethnic cleansing of Ossetes because of Georgian gov. Russia doesn't want South Ossetia to be flattened. All the Russian operations are absolutely legal and well-founded.

Alexander, Moscow, Russia

all countries involved r in it 4 their own better good, oil pipelines, human rights & any number of other factors r all reasons 4 this happening. i dont believe Russia is involved strictly 2 protect the people of S.O. nor do i believe that Georgians are innocent victims of all this.

Steve, St. Johns, Canada

Does any in UK and USA know that Georgia hit the Ossetia FIRST with heavy weapons???! Does anybody know that Ossetia try to escape from Georgia "friendly" hugs since 18th century?? I definitely do not like war but what we have to do? Just watching how the Georgia kill our citizens??

Igor , Moscow, Russia

I just called my relatives back in Georgia, Tbilisi. They were packing and running away from their houses. They also told me that russian troops killed thousands of civilians in Badi, no one stayed alive. At this time russians are entering Tbilisi. more deaths to come!

Eteri, San Francisco, United States

Russia has always been a two-tiered society. The Vikings set it up that way, and the so called "proletariat" uprising did nothing to change that (no surprise, since that was all manipulated anyway). So now, the Russian peasants still fight while the Russian billionaires buy $750 million mansions.

John, Aurora, USA

I think instead of going to bbc or this one, I have gone reuters site and found out that atleast its not publishing one sided stories its atleast publishing russia's and also georgia's movements with vedio's. In which case what should I say about remain news channels.

teaoks, london, UK

Hey, hang on a minute, Georgia made the first move here - yes? If you poke a bear in the eye with a pointed stick you should know what you are doing?

So if the intelligence reports are right and US military transports are flying Georgian troops from Iraq to join the conflict what is going on?

Martin, London, United Kingdom

Where were your voices when NATO, was violating the integrity and sovereignty of the internationally recognized Serbia, when USA jets dumped millions of tons of bombs and rockets on Serbian civilians? Where were you to raise your voices when Serbian civilian neighborhoods were turned into dust?

Mike, Toronto, Cabada

this blog is fantastic isn't it?
non-politicians in all countries able to talk to each other on the net. it wasn't available 10 years ago never mind during ww2. if we all keep talking and listening to each other we can make up our own minds and not be too much influenced by propaganda.keep calm....

ben sutherland, kirkcaldy, scotland

Well done Bush!
This conflict will bring McCain to White House soon.
Thats why there were such an investments to Georgia.
The people of this country were only a tool for upcoming elections in US.

Otto, Moscow, Russia

"To Poles, to Balts, Fins, Hungarian, Georgian. They will come to your door at 6am leaving you.. "
Do you know it starts when Stalin came to power. Another his name is Dzhugashivilli. He was a geogrian and was borned in Gori. Who did abolished all nations in USSR? It was he, a geogrian.

Alex, Moscow,

Meet the new boss (Putin)! same as the old boss (Stalin)!

Scott, Chicago, USA

This is not the end for the Russian Army 6 months from now they will be sending their Army into Israel. Don't trust them...in the end they will be destroyed. They have acted this way for hundreds of years, they will never change

Rob, Florida, USA

"Georgia today claimed that Russian forces had overrun the strategic city of Gori"

Journalists from Reuters have NOT seen ANY russian soldiers in Gori

Gerry, Hereford, UK

Is anybody going to explain why Russia has a whole district of its citizens in a FOREIGN country? If the Ossetians hold Russian passports, why aren't they living in Russia? Obvious expansionism.

Drew, NYC, NY

I supported russia up until passing the border into geogia, i just hope now they prove us all wrong and are doing is for the right reasons. I would really like to see a russian give a more balanced opinion, like russians living in the UK are (that speaks volumes) I HATE all these wars.

daniel, birmingham, uk

Richard, St Albans, is that so? Now that you see no threat. But American umbrella was fine until the Soviets were around, was it? You 'll come to regret bitterly such statements if Russia is allowed to get away with this. Jerry is right. Europe is a disaster. (Says me, hardly ever leaving it.)

Andras, London, UK

Russia is and has always been the aggressor. Many of you have forgotten that Russia essentially cutoff Georgia's main natural gas line back in Jan. of this year during one of their coldest winters resulting in several unnecessary deaths

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4637034.stm

Matt, Philadelphia, USA

The "New-Soviets" are acting like the old Soviets.
The world should stop all business and freeze all the new-soviets overseas bank accounts. Where is the worthless UN?

Casey L. Brown-Myers, Lubbock, USA

It is a visible wish to re-annexe Georgia agian. Abkhazians are georgians, only russians were making a fairy-tale about abkhazian as a natia during last 80 years and unfortunetly it worked. Abkhazians will have soon their own problems with russians .... and it will be late!

maia, london, uk

Nato flattened Serbia not because 'it moved troops toward Kosovo', but because Serbia was there ethnic-cleansing them, as they did before in Bosna and others.
I travelled many times through YU, I can tell you everything was already destroyed by Milosevic's regime long before.
Russia has to learn NOW

Harvey, London, United Kingdom

Looks like "Russian peace" is spreading all over.

John, Clifden, Ireland

Russia invading S. Ossetia is the equivalent to Canada overrunning Michigans Upper Penninsula. S. Ossetia has no recognition on the international stage and as such is still a part of Georgia regardless of how Ossetians feel.

This is merely another example of Russia returning to it's old ways.

Jason, Detroit,

The world leaders will pound their chests and cry how distasteful this is, but, the truth is they will not do any more than they have done for Sudan, Somalia and Myanmar. In other words; Nothing. They will make the appropriate sound bites and then go on to the next crisis.

barry, Salt Lake City, USA

This was inevitable. What can you expect when Georgia invites American soldiers into Russia's backyard and then wants to join Nato. It's like Russia stationing it's troops in Mexico. Can you imagine how the US will react? Can we remember what happened in 1964 in Cuba? Russia is sending a message.

Andy, Glendale, USA

Russian politicians are well known to their neighbor. To Poles, to Balts, Fins, Hungarian, Georgian. They will come to your door at 6am leaving you a 15 minutes to pack your belongings then send in cattle carriage to behind the Ural. The assult on Georgia shows that not much changed in their minds.

Darek, Cracovia, Poland

Putin is a sheep in wolf clothing,he is a true commuist pardon my spelling.Bush should stay out of it ,is it because of the oil pipe line??I just feel sorry for the civilians ,children, mostly,they are the ones that are so touched by wars.shame on men , greed , it will never end.

elly, vancouver, canada

There is no Russian troops in Gory. BBC journalist is there and told that city is empty.

Maria, Yoshkar-Ola, RF

Search "American witness of war" in YouTube and see!!!

Andrey, Moscow,

Why is it that when those who criticize the Russian Peace-keeping mandate, they are quick to point to soviet-era aggression and chechnya, while avoid answering such comparisons with Western (particularly NATO and US) interventions in vietnam, iraq and serbia? Russia has warned before about kosovo..

Alexi, Hong Kong, China

The people in South Ossetia are Georgian citizens, even if they may want to secede, but certainly not Russians. Only an expansionist country would call people in another country their citizens. Georgia had more troops in Iraq, per capita, than any country but the U.S and we should support our ally.

Greg, Washington, DC, USA

Russia is just doing what any other Country would do. They were attacked first. In my opinion Russia is doing nothing wrong.

QFT-
"What a joke Bush & EU have become. Such hypocrisy can rarely have been seen in recent history."

Chris, Edmonton, Canada

I am impressed that the international community does nothing to stop Russian aggression. People are killed in Gori, Russians bomb civilian infrastructure in Tbilisi, but all those politicians in Brussels, Washington just "negotiate" with Russia. They should demand instead of "negotiate".

Andrei, Cupertino, CA, USA

Look who in the first place provoked Russia.It would then be naive to say that the aggressor is Russia.Also the USA is no saint.Look what they did to Iraq & Vietnam & now blame Russia to stop a war which in first place was not started by them.Least to say the UN as always is a big failure.

Abhijit, Pune, India

Russia in the EU? Since when?

Paul, Toronto, Canada

How come no one mentions anything about the role Israel plays in this conflict? read Haaretz on line and you will see what I mean.
IDF vets who trained Georgia troops say war with Russia is no surprise

kermanshah, New York City,

War never was and never will be a good thing. However Nato’s Secretary-General is talking about “disproportionate" use of force! Only few years ago Nato flatten to the ground Serbia, literally destroying all of the vital instruments of a state, just because Serbia moved its troops towards Kosovo.

Steve, london,

Russia has created on purpose and stalked these conflicts - S. Ossetia and Abkhazia (Georgia), Transdnistria (Moldova), etc. These are part of its imperialist plans and ambitions left after the fall of the USSR. Russia is dangerous and has no qualms about invading and occupying other countries.

John, Binghamton, UK

The Russian bear has woken up from his 20 year hibernation and is hungry & back to his old ways. Europeans who hate Bush will again know real fear as they face a true tyrant as Obama & US Democrats will push for isolation. If Obama's elected, it's disaster for E.Europe and freedom everywhere.

David, New York, USA

There is no international law anymore. It is the law of strong. Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Tibet, Xinjiang Uyghurs... Russia had a good message: DO whatever you want if you can afford it. That message came from EU, US, China. And it looks like so far they can afford it and manage it. Whom to blame?

vlad, Huntsville , USA

Jerry, Phoenix. In case you hadn't noticed, its your country thats the absolute political joke - worldwide.
Oh, and before you start tell to tell us Europeans about how you Americans need to defend us... please take home your military. We dont want them. No, really. And NOBODY else does either.

Richard, St Albans, England

Russia has "no justification" - Gordon Brown. but isn't Russia trying to stop Georgia killing people? I think thats a good enough justification.
Russia may be involved to gain control of ALL Ossetia but Georgia's boss was insane to dare an assault during a ceasefire under Russian peace pleas.

James, Stoke-on-Trent, U.K.

I am citizen of kosovar in germany, kosovo is not precedent and peace,regions,stability and integrs of nato and eu.Georgia is sovrane intergritety territoriale, osetia and russia is terrorist guerrila!!!!

baton gonja, pristina, kosovo

ugh...you think so....gee "Diplomats warn conflict could scupper Gerogia's NATO membership bid",.

Now Russia know to pick them off 1 at a time, all NATO stands for is a method to make weapon systems makers money selling them things they wont use cause it might get them killed if the do.

UBUIBIOK, Luxemburg, Luxemburg

Another conflict to divert our attention from the essential work of maintaining a healthy sustainable planet. As human existence is extinguished by rising sea levels and lack of breathable air, always there will be idiotic leaders somewhere engineering death through political battles.

JW, Avon,

On Oct. 3, 1938, Adolf Hitler's armies marched into Sudetenland. Germany said it was responding to separatist demands from the large German population that lived there and that they were merely honoring their desire for reunion with Germany.

"This is like deja vu all over again." - Yogi Berra

MAJF, Brookhaven, USA

Why is it OK for the Albanians in Kosovo to declare "freedom" and independence from Serbia, and when the Serbs try to stop them, it is "Ethnic cleansing and unacceptable" and it was “OK” for the US and NATO to attack them, but when the Russians do the exact same thing it is unacceptable??????

Mark, California, USA

O-o OMG!It looks like a lot of you guys (not all of you fortunately:-)) are still hate and afraid of us...I thought,cold war is our past,guess I as wrong...

Tatiana, Moscow,

I can't believe the west is criticising the Russians for backing South Ossetia , is this so different to what we did in Kossovo, it strikes me that this has more to do with the wests strategic access to oil from central Asia, why else the USA rush for Georgia and Ukraine to join NATO

GEORGE MOIR, Glasgow,

Well as far as I am concerned it is time to expel the Russians from East Prussia (Kalingrad Oblast).

Peter, Cambridge, UK

It is quite amazing to read british vs russian readers comments. One on the western side should understand Saakashvili doll - does he like Georgia or being a president of Georgia. Is he a nation's leader or a narcistic puppet.

Also I wonder if brits here support Tibet monks but not S.Osetia

Andrew, Canada,

Georgia should be able to handle its own issues without the Russians. The US,GB, AUS and other western countries usually have to stand up for democracy becuase no one else will. The EU is an absolute joke and it is being shown right now.

Jerry, Phoenix, USA

Speaking of Russian invasion please keep in mind hundred tons of food being delivered there by Russia, Russian civil doctors healing wounded children and Russian families opening the the doors of their homes for South Ossetian flees.

Alexey, Smolensk, Russia

And we criticised Britain for going into Iraq!!! The Russians don't care what anyone else thinks - and they are in the EU!!!

CA, Mancehster, UK

Ivan, just because the ruling class of Georgia joined the Russian empire in 1801, doesn't mean it was heralded. Take for example Korea, which under a Japanese backed and installed government officially chose to become part of Japan's empire. Every Korean felt shame and remorse. Also Russia changed.

Daniel, Dubai, U.A.E.

Western politicians talk about a humanitarian catastrophe only when it is advantageous them!
All of them were cynical quiet, when Albanians killed Serbians and drove out them from houses by hundreds of thousands.

Alexandr, Rzhev, Russia

Reading comments from Russian is like watching Russian TV: identical arguments, words. I thought that Soviet history at least tought us not to trust the official news. Well..we are not good students I guess. Especially it is amusing when the western are called "brainwashed". Yeah, they really are...

Alex, Saint-Petersburg,

Georgians and Ossetians have always been enemys. So Ossetians should resist desperately or leave their native land. Or Georgians will commit genocide of Ossetians. They have no decency and have shown it quite well. Russia can’t allow it. I guess, it was a provocation to persuade Russia in some US dirty business, such as Iran, Zimbabwe, BP, and so on.

Sergey, Saint-Petersburg, RF

americans are double standards for supporting arm independant movments in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. but considering any arm struggle against Turkey and georia (US allies) as terrorism. every minority deserves right of self determination, yesterday Kosovo, today south Otessia tomorrow Kurdistan.

dario, London, UK

In 1992 Georgia and Osetia have concluded a treaty about non-use of the weapon. As per the treaty Russia is peacekeeper in this region (mandate U.N.O). And Russia can and MUST use weapon to prevent conflict between Osetia and Georgia. At night 08/08/08 Georgian Army have broke the treaty.

V1ad, Novgorod, Russia

To all the idiots saying "Georgia doesn't have any oil so the US won't help", do you not realize that Georgia is the ONLY route for all Caspian Sea oil that doesn't pass through Russia?

If Russia takes control of or disables this pipeline, then they double their control of world oil supplies.

Mike, Atlanta, USA

I was inclined to believe the Georgian version of events, until I saw an independent American witness on youtube describing the crimes of the Georgian troops that gave rise to this Russian response. Saakhashvili must be brought to Justice for his crimes against humanity.

Ken Hall, Barrow-in-Furness, UK

Georgia should not have invaded South Ossetia.
Russia should not have invaded Georgia. Should have been handled through negotiations.

Russia's actions now are clear. Ukraine, Baltic States, Eastern Europe are next. Putin wants to resurrect an Empire.

While Putin plots, Bush watches Olympics.

Tom, Wharton, U.S.A.

Saakashvili is not that stupid.
Maybe he was the first to strike.
But who says he didn't expect such a response?
Russia's answer is no surprise at all to anyone knowing them.
They did over-react as expected.
Exactly what Georgia was hopping for:
Stupid Russia is caught fingers in the jam pot...

Harvey, London, United Kingdom

Let the crazy grand-childrens of Lenin and Stalin play war together, and restore "iron curtain" along EU border. We lived without them bears for decades, and we were living better.

Michel , Aix en Provence, France

Hello, UK.
Position of middle person from Russia - me.
War is bad. No one here want to offense Georgia or some other pro-american or pro-muslim country. We just want to "eat good and sleep well" like everyone in a world. But it is needed to stop Georgian president in killing all ossetians. Need.

Ilya, Moscow, Russia

Georgia 1st declared ceasefire, yet throughout reports are mentions of Georgia fighting, even with attack helicopters. The public are not going to be sold on this war. No matter how hard the BBC and BP pushes it.

David Crell, Leeds, UK

To ben gray, what about Kosovo, Iraq and Afganistan? it's, of course, not ocupation!? All efforts to spread "PAX AMERICANA" all over the world must be stopped. And I believe that really free people managed to stop the Anglo-Saxon invasion.

Yuri, Ekaterinburg, Russia

We should have let Russia collapse completely after the fall of communism. As Chris from Swansea said, time to build coal fired power stations, and also renew our nuclear energy capabilities.

Paul, Port Talbot, UK

Quote:
"...President Saakashvili ordered troops to pull out of the region..."

The Georgian army continues shelling of Tskhinvali for three days and did not stop it yet, even though only ruins left there and thousand of dead civilians. People still continue dying there.

Oleg, London, UK

to Anthony L,

Without those Russian grip you were talking about we would already have 100000 of free and independent, but unfortunately (one small detail) dead osetians thanks to the friendly Georgian way of spreading US made democracy sticked up to bombs and missiles ...

Alex K., Moscow, Russia

So Russia 'invades' a 'breakaway province,' Chechnya, to ensure its sovereignty. Georgia acts in the same way and Russia invades to 'protect' its brand new citizens. Meanwhile, the non-agressor wont talk terms and builds up troops in Abkhazia creating a second front, not aggressive? Go figure.

AKULA, london, UK

It's incredible! Your media is misinterpreting all the facts and all the information... Shame on you! In this case your media is accessory of such a terrible crime as genocide! We demand only the true information from your television and press!

Diana, Moscow, Russia

There is ONE oil and gas pipeline running from the east into Europe that is not under Russian control. Talk of anything else is smoke and mirrors.

Mosby, Mosbyville,

Georgia started it (and foolishly so), but no doubt Russia will finish it so they can restore their natural gas pipeline monopoly to the EU.

There is no 'right' side in this conflict - each have ulterior motives.

Scott, Toronto, Canada

The actions of Russia are an appaling outrage. Sadly , I very much doubt that America will actually do doing anything to help Georgia though. Unlike Iraq there's not much oil to be gained there.

CDK, Notts,

Bush said Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected.
Bush said Serbia's territorial integrity must not be respected.
Where is the logic?

Greg, Miami, USA

abkhasia & abkhasians are "seperatists" too, as you say.. this is another nationality, not georgians..& they hate each other. it's georgian proper in law, but not in fact. please, read the story of their a conflict & anything came clear.

Sergey, Moscow, Russia

to all georgians: before posting any comments stating that Russia wants its former colonies back please refer to the clear historical facts. Didn't you apply yourself to join Russian Empire in 1801? Without our help your nation would be totally demolished by Turkey and Persia (Iran) in early 1800s.

Ivan, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation

Is South Ossetia part of Georgia territory? And is Georgia a sovereign country? If so, what is Russia doing invading a sovereign country to interfere in what appears to be a civil war between Georgia and Ossetian separatists?

Sigmond, Patriotic, USA

what should we think about poland, sweden, uk, usa when they intervent in Russia years and years go? i want you to be sure we hates as they hate us. we strong enough protect us in every situation, you are just dogs, who bark, but do nothing. will go and fight us or your brothers/children?

Eugene, Moscow, Russia

Russian troops in Senaki for the same reason US troops were in Iraq - i.e. to bring Mr. Saakashvili to justice for what he has done. Perhaps in the West you see the situation differently, but in Russia, Mr. Saakashvili, who got 96%! votes in the latest election, is seen in the same light as Hussein

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

The Times why you shine only one of the parties? You the dear edition for the whole world! Write, that occurs in South Ossetia. Take interview at the osset!

Olesi, SPb,

Do we sacrifice an ally to the Russians as we did at the closing of the second world war? How does that affect the other allies who will no longer be able to trust the US in hard times? I don't think another cold war is the answer, but aren't we already in a pseudo cold war with them anyway...

Dan, Aurora , USA

Russia's now being threatened not to have the Olympics 2014 held in Sochi, and this is absolutely what they deserve! in 1939 one future war maniac was allowed to hold Olympics in his country, remember what it came to in the end?..

Tanya, Kyiv, Ukraine

to Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK
Those 10 millions Russians who died fighting Hitler while UK was trying to hold it's shivers on a faraway island you mean?

Mark, Jerusalem, Israel

For anyone who says Russia is wrong in defending the Sout Ossetians and believe that any of the major powers in the western world have the right to comment seems to me to be sadly deluded. After all are America and England not currently occupying nations, on which they have forced regime change?

ben gray, Nottingham, England

how do people compare russia invading georgia to us/uk invading iraq and afghanistan. afghanistand harboured the people that murdered 3000 in NY, sadam was a murderous despot.-halabdja etc
what exactly has georgia done other than react to russian provocation?

will, grimsby, uk

Ones slating Russia - are you in your mind ? General - have you lived in Russia or what ? what do you know about the people in Russia ? Noone here wants the world war to happen, you are all clearly lacking the information, this sounds almost the same way that 'Russia has bears walkin on the streets'

Dan, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

And do Anglo-Saxons ever say thanks to Russia for contribution of the latter to the victory over Nazis. Oh no, instead they constantly compare soviets to nazis. If you want to talk about arrogance, start with your own country, ok?

Oleg, St. Pete,

To escape brutality, there has to be communication.So why Georgian is more busy with organizing the ways how the violence can carry on instead of finding the ways out of it?

Natalia, Oxford, UK

Wow, they've manufactured casualties in the Russian press, I see. Got to love that free press. Pritectubg the "Russians" in S Ossetia sounds a lot like protecting the "German" citizens in Poland during the late 1930s.

Dan, Aurora, USA

I don't get why everyone is so mad about NATO trying to install missile defense systems in countries around Europe. The systems are there to shield the citizens from attacks by targeting incoming missiles and destroying them before impact. Is this an aggressive move when its aimed to protect others?

Bret, Cherry Hill,

Condi's time to shine, perhaps? It's not lilke she's done anything these past three and a half years.

Juliet, Boston, Massachussetts

The Georgians went in guns ablazing, killing many civilians. There are only 70,000 people in the area. Wouldn't take long for Georgia to "cleanse" the area. There is a long history of such happenings in that area.

Georgia thought they would get away with it. They didn't. Now they wail.

Dave, New Orleans, USA

This conflict reminds me of the Soviet invasion of Finland in 1939 except that the Finns were much more successful. And by the way, why do the Brits keep pronouncing Tbilisi as Tiblisi?

Mladen Andrijasevic, Be'er Sheva , Israel

To: Ivan, Novorossiysk, Russia "and were fed better than russians during all soviet history, didn't they?"

Better than the Soviets fed the people of Ukraine in 1932? Or is that not taught in Russian Revisionist History class either?

JimmiP, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Finally, someone hits the nail on the head! Thank you, Sergei in Washington.

Steve, Sacramento, United States

1) America and Russia are not going to "have a war."

2) I think its obvious that the world will be a better place when we finally have a new cold war.

george, winnipeg,

The issue is that Russia has crossed an internationally recognized border, if they are allowed to do this, what stops them from crossing other borders? What stops them from rolling tanks into Europe? If you cross one border, you'll cross ANY border. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgian provinces.

Greg, NYC, USA

Come on, guys! Everybody who claims himself US ally is a good fellow and thus he can do everything even he can attack sleeping peaceful city with artillery, jet, tanks and MRLS.

All we see now is a cynical policy of double standards provided by US and UK. Remember Serbia, remember Belgrad!

Sergey, Tomsk, Russia

Having worked with Russians and spent time in Russia, I have one thing to say. Leaving aside the fruitless debate about whether the actions of big, evil USA or corrupt, sly Russia are worse, one thing is very clear - Russians are incapable of engaging in constructive self-criticism.

Pedro, London,

Georgia brothers invite Soviet army in Georgia no shoot only football. Tanks and helicopter gunships just loving buns ice-cream for childrens. Only bad US departments do bombing.

Valery, Moscow, Russia

Anyone who doesn't think the U.S. and their CIA employee Saaskashvili are up to their necks in causing this war should look at the outcome for proof... a total disaster and humiliation for their ally Georgia and for U.S. policy. Only the CIA could plot to produce an 'own-goal' this spectacular!

Richard, St Albans,

Why did these articles tell only about Tbilisi and Gori? Why? Where is real information from South Ossetia?

Mathew, London, UK

Georgia wanted to resolve the dispute by force and attacked Russian peacekeepers and peaceful residents. The death of civilians and Russian soldiers will not go unpunished. Proportionate response shall not apply to those intentionally attacking civilians and peacekeepers....

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Georgian democracy? How is to have the leader that gets his salary from Washington a democracy? How is to spend a huge chunk of GDP a democracy? The Americans and Europeans should realize that militarism and aggression is not a path of democracy, but the path of autocratism and despotism.

Alexey, London, United Kingdom

To Daniel, birmingham, uk:
Be sure, on russian media screens NOT only Putin and Medvedev. In opposite, I see that Europe media shows mainly one side, is only Saakhashvili. No ossetians peoples, no ossetians President, ONLY Saakhashvili.

Chizh, Moscow,

I do not see much of democracy in Georgia when Georgian president closes opposition TV stations, rounds up opposition demonstrations and opposition leaders get refuge in France or go to jail in Georgia, when he attacks sleeping civilians at night killing 1000 (whatever number, 10 would be wrong).

Vlad, Huntsville , USA

Many people in the West are seemed to be completely brainwashed by means of the Strong Media and it seems that they like it. Big Brother watches u!

Andrey, Moscow, Russia

Once Russia stops at the border of South Ossetia (and please don't quote Saakashvili, his imaginary tanks and fighting in Gori) we will have hard PROOF that Russia is not interested in Georgia or it’s so called “democracy”

Alex, London,

Miloshevich expeled kosovarians = Saakashvili expeled ossetians, NATO bombed Serdia = Russia bombs Georgia.
So please do not ask question. Saakashvili get what your he deserves

Greg, Columbus, USA

I know some Russians. I like some of them but, I trust none of them.

Reagan said it right, of the Russians, "trust, but verify".

Bush's biggest Foreign policy blunder, wasn't Iraq. It was when he said (of Putin) "I looked into his eyes and found a man I could trust".

Michael, Prague, Czech Republic

Stelios, Saakashvili is not a puppet leader, and in fact is very much liked by most of his people.

Secondly, it was within Georgia's right to attempt to take back a province within its sovereign territory. To say that this action justifies the Russian invasion of Georgia is foolish and irrational.

Matt, jacksonville, USA

Considering Saakashvilli initiated attack on South Ossetia with EU flag behind his desk, 2000 of US "military advisers" training and leading his army, $1 billion military budget which is one of THE BIGGEST military budget relative to GDP (10%) in the world I would question his master's intentions.

Sergei, Washington, US

Many people do remember USSR invasion to east euro. in 1920-1930 (!!!)...it's a joke?maby you do not hear,but USSR has disappear more than 15 years ago...oh...What about Uk and US war in Vietnam, Syria, Afganistan, Iraq???what about Kosovo???

Mikle, Vidnoe, Russia

I'm in the American Marines, and man I hope we get involved. I would love to fight a war somewhere with some damn trees, pretty girls and some moderate weather. This desert stuff stinks.

Matt, San Diego, USA

to K Gordon, Leeds, UK

are you serious about the statement you've just made?

Adam seenms to be on the right wave, after all what help did the russian ever give you when you needed it? They never even thank you for all those people that died in the 2nd ww to bring help.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Adam, you told that response to S. Ossetia was so enormous... Is it really enormous 50 Georgian casualties vs 1600 in S.Ossetia? What Russia does now is destroying military objects of Georgia (it's so awful that civilians dies too but..) The same what USA was doing in Serbia

Andrei, Brest, Belarus

come on, russia tried to provocate this for a long time. Now they protect russians in there. Protect them with bombing them. And then take Georgia, cuz they have to protect Russia... who wants to be next?

Elen, estonia,

No one wants war. To correct someone who said President Bush bombed Kosovo- it was Bill Clinton and NATO. We-the US have the right to defend ourselves-to ensure other nations are free- this Russian action does not concern us. But Europe needs to gets some balls and face conflict instead of hiding.

Greg Brizendine, Roanoke, VA, US

to Helen, Moscow,
How do you know? We do know the expertise that the russian akka KGB have in the makirovska

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Wow, there are some real idiots posting here. Georgia did NOT start the conflict. S. Ossetia and Abkhazia are part of Georgia, and the Georgians have every right to try to bring the regions back under government control. Any "Russian citizens" that have a problem with that ought pick up & go home.

Ernest, hobbs, usa

Be realistic. Europe is changing. You have 20% of muslims in GB, France, Germany. China, India, Brazil, Russia, Iran ... matter more and more. The West is a minority in this world. US is changing. Whites will be minority by 2050. You can wine and cry but you can do nothing. World will be different!

Vlad, Huntsville , USA

it is too early to say whether the russians are making a moral stand to protect the ossetians or an economic one to control georgia and its energy routes. we hope that it is the former but if the latter the west will need strong leaders with a long term plan. question is whether we have them.

calvin, oxford,

Once again we see the Russians and Putin in particular for what they are. Unfit to live in the civilized world. They hardly moved an inch from the days of the Soviet Union when Soviet tanks rolled across national borders at their leisure and the world stood by. Very little has changed.

Richard Wendt, Palestine, Texas, USA

Where it Georgia's Turkey? Didn't they promise to be their Big Brother?

Where is Azerbaijan's WAR TALK?

Karabagh, Shushi, Karabagh

In response to Helen from Moskow, how can you possibly say that Georgia attacked first? Attacked rebels IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY, but it surely didn't attack any sovereign Russian territory.

Robbie, Charlotte, USA

I know one- read more before building your own opinion. I read livejournal bloggers from Georgia. They can't open ".ru" sites and TV, they have not any info except Georgia Gov. They don't know about killing civilians in Tskhinvali. - Saakashvili hide this army's crime from own peoples. Why?

Yurij, Krasnoyarsk, Russia

to Helen, Moscow,

The russians : Afghanistan, Chechnia, the tanks in Prague and Hungary,.OK, well lets pass the last one is a bit old .

But at least Serbia is still independent with no american troops on the soil or giving away russian passports to the locals.

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Isnt it funny how whichever country the writer comes from they defend their homeland. Couldnt we all just agree we know NOTHING about whats going on other than we are all confused?

The only comments i would take as close to the truth would be from Georgia and South Ossestians.

Skip Fandango, Darlington, U.K

The Russian posters here show how little Russia has changed. They support the brutality being inflicted on the Georgians claiming they are protecting human rights. What a joke!
Just ask the Chechans, Poles, Hungarians, Czechs and all the other races what they think of Russians.

Richard , Nottingham,

I am a conservative American but you may be surprised to hear me say that the US BETTER NOT get involved in something that is none of its business. We are making a mistake if we anger Russia. We do not need another Cold War. We should be attempting to make Russia a strong ally.

Dean, Florida, USA

Expansionism has always been the primary directive of Russia. If anyone is undecided as to who the culprit is here, look at the country being lead (contrary to its "constitution") by an ex-KGB agent. Putin is taking advantage of what he perceives to be a weak West.

David, Indianapolis, USA

if russia is so morally upstanding in protecting "their" people in s ossetia, then why are russian troops in abkhasia and in senaki which is in Georgia proper.
saakashvilii has been stupid falling into this russian trap, but the russians have been provoking this since long before the georgian attac

will, grimsby, uk

The whole city has been destroyed by Georgians via a carefully planned attack: thousands of Russians were killed, buildings are detroyed...why suddenly Russia is a bully now? Should it just leave its people to die, turn away from them?

Natalia, Oxford, UK

Just to make it clear - Tskhinvali was destroyed by Georian assault BEFORE Russian forces managed to get to the city and fight Georgians. Video implicitly says that city was destroyed during battle between Russan and Georgian forces. That is not true.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

I am really impressed by reading these posts. Looks like cold war was not ended at all. And unfortunately the problem is not in Russia.

Boris, St.Petersburg, Russia

Facts : Georgia is buying weapons for years.
Georgia has started the war in large scale. Ok accusations of some bombing before both nothing in the proportion of moving 70,000 . Russia until now has reacted correctly. What to do ? when somebody is killing people near your border ? let them die ?

detzu, Timisoara, Romania

I hope these Russian actions will stop Georgia from killing peaceful people...

Askar, Kazan,

Georgia didn't initiate because SOsset is Georgia. Russia has no right to interfere within the borders of Georgia regardless of the ethinicity of the people. If we were a weaker country, it would be as if Mexico sent troops into Southern Cali to protect against US border patrol.

Steven, PA, USA

Helen: Nice try but you are ill-informed. Bush did not bomb Kosovo. NATO and Clinton did.

Sergeant, Boston, USA

So where is such speculation? You believe it or CNN.COM BBC.COM? Visit, read, there is presented Russia terrible scourge. If you believe, then be afraid! Or switch own opinion and the brain...

Vitaly, Novosibirsk, RF

A question for dear Philip of Oxford - when did the UK let its last colony become independant or do you still control territories of nations that used to be free states? Clearly the UK (and the US for that matter) have always had and still have imperialistics ambitions. Perhaps you lead the way?

Julia, New York, US

to A Brown, Edinburgh, UK

The difference is that Iraq/Afghanistan will still be eventually not American or UK states when Russia gets their grip on you you cen forget about being independent again

Anthony L, Chelmsford, UK

Unfortunately the US/UK alliance has been busy undermining the fundamental principles of International Law for too long now. We blew the non-intervention principle right out of the water with Iraq. New principle = if u have the power do what u like. Who can blame russia for looking out for russia?

A Brown, Edinburgh, UK

It seems Russia plans to make of Georgia an example. I guess Ukraine won't be in any hurry to join the EU nor NATO now, as the West has spectacularly failed to stand up to Russia in any way, shape or form.

John, Belfast, UK

Even if it annoys some people the facts are clear: Russia did NOT start this conflict! Georgia DID attack first! how could you blame Russia for just its response after Bush's bombing Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan?

Helen, Moscow,

I'm tired of reading the posters' comments who believe there is some form of 'pro-Russian' conspiracy amongst the contributors. The truth is that 'we' see this whole situation for what it is. Russia has moved in to South Ossetai to protect its citizens from US-backed Georgian agression and genocide.

K Gordon, Leeds, UK

Sudetenland 1938. Hitler championed the ethnic Germans living there before invading the region, then Czechoslovakia proper. NATO should send a peacekeeping force to Georgia, away from the immediate war zone to act as a cordon sanitaire to guarantee Georgia’s survival before it’s too late.

Sebastian, Prague, Czech

Wake up people. Russia is trying to halt democracy any way it can. Again. The response to S. Ossetia is so enormous because it is the perfect excuse to bring down the threat of a progressive democracy on its border. Russia could care less about the Ossetians. They are a tool for Moscow to use.

Adam, Edinburgh,

Few people from the UK, US and the EU have an unbiassed point of view on the events in South Ossetia & have a clear understanding of the situation.Those,who think that Russia is an agressor-just take a look at the reports from Tshinval and interviews with refugees.People suffer and blame Saakashvili

Agata, Moscow, RF

For thouse, who thinks Russia is wrong: Go to South Ossetia and look, what`s happening. You will understand, i hope.

Anton, Vladivostok, Russia

To the russians replying to this article. Russia is not freeat all. Open your eyes! You do as your by your government. Your government makes you fearful and paranoid of the outside world so you fall into line and let them do as they please. Goverments are as bad as each other, russia is just worse!

Daniel, birmingham, uk

Right, I agree Lativa was separated in 2 parts in 40, but it had the worst life level in Europe and were fed better than russians during all soviet history, didn't they? The same concerns Estonia and Lithuania.

Ivan, Novorossiysk, Russia

Saakashvili was a fool to fall into the Russian trap. Russia despises Saakashvili and was building up it's presence in S.Ossetia and Abhkazia by providing weapons, Russian passports and trading links to the separatists. These two regions will be sovereign Georgian territory until annexed by Russia.

Howard, London, UK

I guess the real question is what's going to happen next. An invasion into the baltic states, Poland maybe, next into central Europe. And the only reprisal is going to be another angry phone call from G.W. Bush. They'll just keep "protecting their citizens" by bombing innocent civilians.

Joonatan Renel, Tallinn, Estonia

What a lot of people don't seem to realise is that Russia didn't initiate this latest skirmish, but Georgia did when it attempted to regain full control over South Ossetia, a semi-autonomous region of only 70,000 people. American criticism is a bit rich considering their role in the Kosovo debacle!

William, Northern Ireland,

Oh so you remember old Soviet and as usual afraid of it. What about UK, always on expansion till WW-II when it lost its supremacy to USA, we still remember it....
and don't panic. Russian operation will be far better than Vietnam, Iraq, Syria, Afganistan and all you can remember.

neeraj, New Delhi, India

You said pro-Russians? Watch yourself and only then Russians. Did anyone remember when last time UK refused US initiation? You thiniking we are planning to get all EU to our banner? it is really looks like a good example of paranoya! Decades under US banner makes you blind. Just leave us in peace...

Alexander, Yarovoe, Russian Federation

One mention should be done: the conflict isn't between Russia and Georgia it is between Georgia and South Ossetia. On the border - russian troops who is peace-makers.

One respondent (Matt, Birmingham, UK) was right - imagine the situation when Albania would force Serbia's border.

Daniel, Moscow, Russia

If Russia wanted to expand, it would already seize whole Central Asia rich with oil. However, Russia does not have any territorial demands to anybody. Israel retaliates even if one isralean is killed, here we talk about 2000 civilians dead, mostly Russian citizen, what reaction do you expect?

Emil, Swindon, UK

How many of the pro-Russian postings are from real people rather than the SVR?

Peter, London,

Interesting how the western press is quick to criticise Russia after we and US killed 100 000 civilians in Iraq invasion, If NATO (which US another another flag) continues its ridiculous stroll across europe towards Russia, how are the Russians supposed to feel?

richard, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.

This war was initiated by the USA. Saakashvilli is only a merry man of Mr. Bush. Once the USA almost initiated a nuclear war when they attacked Kursk submarine, so they are the most dander to peace in the world.

Arkadiy, Moscow, Russia

Saakashvili can return S. Ossetia and Abhkhazia only via war because 100% NATIVE ( = not Russians) population of the above regions do not want to join Georgia. To return the regions, he has to kill the people and he is doing it. The other option is to abandon the regions, but Georgians rejct .

Svetlana, Moscow,

Gergian miserable troops killed our peackeepers and citisants. What can we do !

Nickolay, Moscow, Russia

This war is favourable also Georgia and America, owing to military actions the dollar exchange rate has gone upwards. Americans delivered the weapon to Georgia - recollect, the brought down pilotless planes, they were American. Russia against war. You trust the ears, and your ears are a press.

Egor, Ivanovo, Russia

The world must react stronger! Georgia is facing Russian invasion.it's not about Ossetia (Russians protecting civilians? We heard this in '39 in Poland and in 90's in Chechnia). It's about changing government and taking control of pipelines. Gazputin should end in Hague. Support Georgia!

Krystian, Krakow, Poland

Seryoga, 'protecting human rights' the Soviet way - bombers and tanks. We all remember that from the near past. No people - no problem, right, tovarishch?

Pavel, London,

Jason,UK-it is USA who is "enemy of freedom".World in USA vision has USA in center and other countries as "support".Russia is a free country and people here are free.And let me remeber you-Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan.It is USA who destabilises peace in a world.And it is Georgia who killed 2000 people.

Anton, Novosibirsk, Russia

It is more than possible that US did a big job to make the whole incident happen, especially keeping in mind the fact that US are experiencing the economic crisis. While the only intention of Russia is to save the Osetian civilians from Georgia genocide.

Stefan, Wrocław, Poland

Dear god, can the posters decrying Russian brutality tell me what we would do if the Serbs killed our peacekeepers in Kosovo & leveled a city with rockets? The Ossetians are fleeing to Russia, so much for bullying! Saakashvili played his bloodsoaked cards & lost hard. The Georgians deserved better.

Matt, Birmingham, UK

We know what is it all about. Not about the protection of Russian citizens (the same excuse Soviets used in 1939 to invade Poland), but simply oil and gas pipelines. Russia tries to gain control of all possible ways of fuels transfer to EU in order to increase EU's dependance on Russian fossil fuels

Tomasz, Krakow, Poland

re-read this phrase, twice or more if needed:

There was no obvious sign, however, that the city had been devastated by a massive air attack, or that Georgian forces had repulsed the Russians there last night - two of the claims that Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili has made this morning

Alex, VVO, Russia

Lets remember Georgia instigated this with a massive and overwhleming use of force. Now, its is the South Ossetians allies Russia, whose turn it is now to demonstrate their power. Bush, stay out of it, you've done enough to blight the middle east and coaxing Georgia in the his ill fated adventure.

Sean, London, UK

nobody's going to expand!!!
Russian troops have to protect human rights of the neighbours!

sergei, Moscow,

South Ossetia was always a pretext for Putin to re-annexe Georgia & control the oil/gas pipelines
10,000 Russian troops support Abhkazia separatists & Russian advance on Gori,plus Russian refusal to accept a ceasefire now Georgian troops are out of S Ossetia

Leonard, London , UK

Russia is back the way it was decades ago - secretive, brutal and the enemy of freedom. Concerted, long-term action is needed to deal with thisthreat to world peace

Jason, London, UK

What was the reason to attack civilian city, not military base or troops? None. What was the first target? The only hospital in city. Why? To ensure maximum casualties. What for were attacked flee column and mobile hospital? Were they fighting armed men? I seriously doubt that.

Artem, Moscow, Russia

I wouldn't be too impressed with Russia's military muscle. It always seems to look impressive in the early stages of a campaign, but usually comes unstuck quite quickly. Let's not forget nine years in Afghanistan which came to nothing, and the debacle in Chechenya which never seems to go away.

stuart, Brighton, UK

The Russians have nothing to offer the West, yet our government has decided to devlove our energy security to them. We are paying dearly now and will pay much more in the future because of the complete lack of foresight of our leaders. Time to build coal power stations, supplied by British coal.

Chris , Swansea,

How unfortunate for Georgian people to have a puppet leader taking them to war when he cannot even provide the most marginal improvement to their everyday lives. Hasn't it been obvious enough that the US cannot deliver the promise it makes. Albania, FYROM, Kosovo et al watch and learn.

Stelios, London, UK

What a joke Bush & EU have become. Such hypocrisy can rarely have been seen in recent history. Do they respect the integrity of Iraq, Afgh, Serbia ,Cyprus etc, or the lives of civilians when they play their dirty games? Well done Russia for check-mating them in Georgia. The oil line is blocked.

Ronald, Nicosia, Cyprus

it really annoys me, reading the warped pro Russian comments. They are the big bully, always trying to expand, they need their wings clipped, remember Estonia 1920, Hungary, Finland, Czech, Chechnya, and the recently Moscow stirred up riots in Estonia, come on Russia, time to join the human race!!!!

philip, oxford, England UK