Russia is deliberately flaunting its military might on the territory of its tiny neighbour and former colony, Georgia. Under the guise of “peacekeeping”, Russian tanks and troops have penetrated deep into the country and destroyed both civilian and military infrastructure. They have bombed the main railway line, and blocked the roads. Yesterday some were still advancing south, although Moscow insisted they were pulling back.

Russia’s behaviour has undermined the argument that it simply intervened for humanitarian purposes. President Dmitry Medvedev yesterday talked chillingly of a “crushing response” to any attack on its citizens. The clear message to Georgia, to other pro-western former Soviet republics such as Ukraine, and to the Nato alliance, is that Russia can behave as it will in its “near abroad”. It has overwhelming military force, and it is prepared to use it. The next target may well be Ukraine’s Crimea, where the Russian-speaking population could easily be persuaded to seek secession. Moscow wants its Black Sea base to be part of Russia, not rented from Ukraine.