Russia is not frightened of another Cold War. That is the word from its President Dmitry Medvedev, who is standing firm on his decision to recognise the independence of Georgia’s breakaway regions.

European foreign ministers have been outraged by Russia’s actions in Georgia, and France’s Bernard Kouchner went on French television last night to make a spectacular allegation.

Before the UN has had time to act on the crisis in Georgia, the Russian president’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia’s independence has undermined its efforts.