U.S. Warns Russia of Military Action

The US Defence Secretary has told Sky News that another Russian attack on Georgia once it has joined Nato would result in an American armed response.

Robert Gates told Sky's foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall that Nato's charter would require it.
"I have been a very strong proponent of the view that Nato is a military alliance not a talk shop," he said.

"Article five means what it says - so there is a commitment to go to the assistance of our allies if they are challenged."

Meanwhile the Russian Navy says the war in Georgia has shown the world that Moscow is once again a force to be reckoned with.

Its Black Sea Fleet has now returned to its base in Crimea in Ukraine, but the region is becoming a new frontline in the stand-off between Russia and the West.