Recriminations and accusations are continuing following the announcement of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's decision to call off his military's advance into Georgia, ending a brutal five-day war initiated when Georgian forces responded to intimidation and invaded the would-be breakaway republic of South Ossetia.

"The security of our peacekeepers and civilians has been restored,'' Mr Medvedev said on national television. "The aggressor has been punished and suffered very significant losses. Its military has been disorganised.'' [source]

Even before President Medvedev claimed all Russia's military objectives had been met, it was obvious both he and former President, now Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin had emerged victorious from the brief but devastating war. Indeed it was Putin who returned from the Beijing Olympics early to sympathise with South Ossetian victims, lambast the United States and accuse Georgian forces of "genocide".

"People are in a difficult situation, especially old people, children and women. They have seen a lot of suffering. I would like to draw your attention, Mr President, to elements of genocide against South Ossetian people" [source]