“For Georgians, this statement by the Russian government came out of the blue. Unfortunately, I think they’re serious about South Ossetia and Abkhazia.”

Salome, dentist, 27



“I’m sure Russia is perfectly serious about South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It’s time our government tackled the issue.”

Mariami, student, 21



“Maybe they aren’t that serious, but it’s definitely a worrying signal to our government—they [the Georgian government] should ask international organizations for help to solve the problem.”

Vano, student, 22



“Russians never say anything they don’t mean—they always do what they say they will.”

Nino, teacher, 33



“I hope they don’t do what they said. I think it’s a message to our government.”

Lela, housewife, 45



“I think it was a serious statement. I hope it [recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia] doesn’t happen, but we can’t do anything against them.”

Ana, student, 22



“I don’t think so—Russia wouldn’t dare recognize their independence.”

Julieta, librarian, 66



“Duma statements are designed to have a go at Georgia. But I’m hopeful Russia won’t be allowed to do this—it violates international law. Anyway, Russia can’t really do something like that, because it might cause a chain reaction in the North Caucasus!”

Gigla, IDP, 53



“Georgia is talking about withdrawing Russian peacekeepers from the conflict zones, so to avoid Georgian unification, Russia could well pull a stunt like that.”

Akaki, pensioner, 78