Russia was strongly criticized by many Western countries for its part in the war , and the war heightened tensions between NATO and Russia .
The Russo - Georgian War broke out in August 2008 , as Georgia and Russia competed for influence in South Ossetia .
Russia was strongly criticized by many Western countries for Russia 's part in the war , and the war heightened tensions between NATO Russia Russia .
The Russo - Georgian War broke out in August 2008 , as Georgia and Russia competed for influence in South Ossetia .