Russia Recognizes Georgia's Breakaway Regions

Thumbing its nose at the West, Russia has officially recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Dmitry Medvedev announced today, following votes in the Russian parliament. The move flies in the face of a plea from President Bush that Russia refrain from doing so, and the US State Department’s warning that it could be “inconsistent with international law.” Earlier today, Russia canceled a visit from NATO’s secretary general.

Georgia immediately condemned Medvedev's announcement, a deputy foreign minister telling the Guardian, "This is an unconcealed annexation of these territories, which are a part of Georgia."

(More Russia stories.)