Russian Moves on Separatist Regions

As Kosovo independence approached, all eyes were on the Russian response. The fear was that Russia would use Kosovo as a precedent to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abhazia in Georgia, as well as Pridnestrovie in Moldova. However, Vladimir Putin promised in his final press conference, that Russia "will not play the fool," meaning play tit-for-tat with the West, but that plans have been drawn nonetheless.

The first responses have now emerged. While not formally recognizing their independence, Russia appears to plan on expanding economic, legal and political interaction with the contested regions. The government has already suspended economic sanctions with Abhazia and the parliament has been pushing for closer ties with all three regions. Where this ultimately leads is difficult to predict, but it will be one to watch.