The fundamental fact remains that the Russian army and amphib units which were engaged in the invasion of Georgia had to be on alert and ready to go when the supposed ‘American provocation’ of the Ossetia-incident was to have occurred.

Army units don’t move on 15 minutes orders. Amphib operations, less so. Armored columns with supply and logistics in tow with an order of march and battle? Forget it.

What Putin claims is on its face impossible. The Russian Army was ready to go. The Georgian Army had to mobilize (not the other way around).