Last I heard, it was in fact Georgia that instigated this outbreak. It does seem however that Russia is taking advantage of the situation in order to assault several disputed areas.

It could be argued that the "Soviet expansionist days" are no different than the United States' or any of the prime examples throughout European history. Many still cling onto unjustly taken land under the guise of patriotism. Georgia itself is heavily influences by the U.S. after all. That's not the point though, is it?

The life of an individual is never worth the wealth of a nation.