World | Russia Georgian Conflict Highlights Eastern Anxieties Ex-Soviet states unite in opposition to Russia By Sam Biddle Posted Aug 18, 2008 2:02 PM CDT Copied Polish and US negotiators exchange documents they just signed on an initial agreement on conditions for placing a U.S. missile defense base in Poland, in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Aug.14, 2008. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) As Russian forces continue to roll through Georgia, both Eastern and Western nations are reconsidering their relations in the face of an emboldened and insolent Moscow. The Christian Science Monitor examines this new geopolitical reality from the perspective of ex-Soviet states determined to prevent a renaissance of Russia's hegemony over its neighbors. The most immediate consequence of the Georgian invasion has been a quick resolution to US-Poland negotiations over long-disputed missile shield emplacements. "The events in the Caucasus show clearly that such security guarantees are indispensable," said the Polish PM. Now other Eastern European states are considering new policies to fend off Moscow, such as limiting the Russian navy’s use of their ports. Read These Next SCOTUS sounds skeptical about law banning gay conversion therapy. Felix Baumgartner's death attributed to his own error. Robin Williams' daughter: AI clips of him are 'disturbing' Trump, Johnson aren't happy with pick for Super Bowl headliner. Report an error