Although direct military intervention is not being considered, Pentagon sources have hinted that a limited number of troops could be deployed to support what Mr Bush described as a vigorous and ongoing humanitarian mission headed by the US military.

The first US air force transport aircraft had already arrived last night Mr Bush said that more would follow. Meanwhile, the navy was heading to the Black Sea – at present controlled by Russian warships – to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies direct to Georgian ports. “We expect Russia to honour its commitment to let in all forms of humanitarian assistance,” Mr Bush said. “We expect Russia to ensure that all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, airports, roads and air space, remain open for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and civilian transit.”

"This is not 1968 and the invasion of Czechoslovakia, where Russia can threaten a neighbor, occupy a capital, overthrow a government and get away with it,"