Petrov also says Russia's decision to recognize the two breakaway Georgian republics as independent states could have a boomerang effect.

VOA: standard.2009.08.26

Serhiy Stelmakh adds that former Soviet republics are also writing their own histories, to the dismay of many in Russia.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25

The Russian Border administration being established by the agreements grants it full immunity from the civil and administrative jurisdiction of both republics.

VOA: standard.2009.04.30

Two other former Soviet Republics Georgia and Ukraine have expressed interest in becoming NATO members.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev signed agreements in the Kremlin with Abkhaz leader Sergei Bagapsh and South Ossetian leader Eduard Kokoity that give Russia responsibility for defense of the borders between Georgia and the two breakaway republics.

VOA: standard.2009.04.30

(Speaking in Russian) Stelmakh says a look at school text books being published in Ukraine,the Baltics, and in other post-Soviet republics shows them to be attempts to distance those countries from Russia -- especially with regard to courses in national history.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25