Given the scale of the threat, the Georgians had no option but to fall back and trade time for space. But they have precious little space to trade. And with Russian control of the air, it will probably do no good to operate a mobile reserve. The Turks have put aid stations near the border. Given the axis of threat the Georgians will be pushed against the Turkish frontier with all the dangers that involves.

The Georgians are facing a set of terrible decision points. If they want to preserve their infrastructure, until now but slightly damaged, they can sue for peace. The alternative is to wire everything for demolition, mine every approach that can be mined and leave the Russians with a succession of Tskhinvalis.

I don’t know how the Georgians will act. What have they been told? To hold out? And for how long? From outward indications they’ve been given no definite promises.