August 27, 2008 U.S. delivers more aid to Russian ports Play video

(NECN/ABC) - Relations between Russia and the West are at their lowest point since the Cold War, and that seems to be fine with Moscow. The Kremlin has flatly rejected Western condemnations for its invastion of Georgia. That leaves foreign policy professionals wondering what's next.

Today, US military ships are delivering more aid supplies to Georgians who suffered during the recent conflict with Russia.

"We will continue to assess the needs and work closely with the government of Georgia, work closely with our colleagues at non-government organizations at the UN, to assess needs and provide other assistance as required," said Tim Callaghan of USAID.

But at least one U.S. ship was re-routed to avoid Russian troops who, although ostensibly relaxed, are still patrolling the Georgian port of Poti.

Defending their presence, Russian President Dimitri Medvedev accused the U.S. of smuggling weapons into Georgia instead of aid. He continues to brush off denunciations from the West for recognizing the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

"We made this decision in order to prevent genocide," he said.

But the international community is likening the move to payback for the West's decision to recognize Kosovo when it broke away from Serbia - a Russian ally - earlier this year.

Payback or not, the fallout from the brief but violent conflict underscores the debate between major powers over how to handle separatist movements and

On Tuesday Medvedev said: "We are not afraid of anything...Cold War included. Of course, we don't want that."

With South Ossetians celebrating their independence from Georgia, Medvedev said he hopes the West will understand and help preserve good relations with Russia.

ABC's Gloria Riviera has the latest.