Medvedev: It all all depends on the reaction adopted by Westerners

Russia’s decision to recognize Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s independent was meant to prevent a genocide from happening, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has declared. According to him, if Western countries want to maintain good relations with Russia, the former will have to understand Russia’s actions.

Medvedev added that Western countries plan to pressure Russia but this strategy would not work. He declared that it all depended on the stand Western countries take. However, NATO officials declared that Russia should respect Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Experts have shared opinions: while Russian officials sustain Medvedev’s actions, international experts declare that Russia’s move is the biggest political mistake on the long run because now it becomes clearer that Russia would never be able to align to the international system.

Other experts note that Western countries cannot pressure Russia since they do not have the necessary instruments to do it. Thus, as long as borders are clearly delineated, sustainable peace could be enforced.