Pretty much, yes.
I just don't think you can ignore the Kosovo situation as a pre-cursor. I think the Russians are trying to make a point that it is not a one way street with NATO and the west setting the standards of what is and is not acceptable, and whose territory should be forcibly split and whose shouldn't. Maybe if there had not been an independence declaration in Kosovo, Russia would still be sitting on the sideline in Osetia.
Totally disagree. I think Boroda will drop by and pretty much confirm what I'm about to type in his own inimitable way.
The Russians would be doing what they are doing now in Osetia/Georgia if Nato/the West had never ever gone anywhere near the Serbian affair.
Put it another way: if the Serbian affair had never happened at all, they'd be doing what they're doing in Osetia/Georgia.
They're not making a point with the West. They acting in their national interest to control resources in the region.
Any wagers on the price of oil tomorrow?