The United States is warning that Russia's actions in Georgia will have
lasting consequences for Russia's relationship with the West.
US Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice said in an interview on US television on Sunday that
Russia's recent actions have damaged that country's chances of
integration into western institutions. She said Russia's reputation is,
as she put it, "in tatters," and said the West is united in criticizing
the country for what she called "unacceptable" behavior in Georgia.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a separate interview on US television the
United States and its allies are considering a range of actions against
Russia. He said no option is off the table -- including ousting Russia
from the Group of Eight industrialized countries, denying Russia entry
into the World Trade Organization, and imposing new financial sanctions.
Both officials cautioned it is too early to say specifically how the US will respond.