On Wednesday, President Bush announced a massive humanitarian airlift to Georgia using the US military. Speaking from the White House, President Bush blamed Russia for the crisis.

President Bush: “In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic and security structures of the twenty-first century. The United States has supported those efforts. Now, Russia is putting its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions.”

The intent of the US airlift came under question after the US-backed Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said the US is readying to take over airports and ports in Georgia. The Bush administration has denied the claim. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on the US to drop support for the Georgian government.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: “We understand that this current Georgian leadership is a special project of the United States, but one day the United States will have to choose between defending its prestige over a virtual project or real partnership which requires joint action.”