Putin, first as Russian president and later as prime minister but power behind the throne of Medvedev, is unshakably determined to rebuild Russia's status as super-power rivaling even Bush's US. After the West's support for Kosovo's breakaway from Russian ally Serbia, the secessionist rebellions of Abchasia and South Ossetia against Saakashivili's Georgia are are a test of strength and determination, where the US refuses to commit against Russia, leaving mediation to French president Sarkozy. Meanwhile former Warshaw Pact states' US-pushed NATO applications are contested by EU states, mainly Germany.
—KGF Vissers