Russia’s game of chess

News of the Year: Is the Russian bear coming out of hibernation? | The Editors

Dmitry Kostyukov/AFP/Getty Images

Dmitry Medvedev was elected Russia's new president in March, Vladimir Putin retained power by becoming prime minister in May, and Russia invaded the Georgian enclave of South Ossetia in August—all signs that the Russian bear is coming out of hibernation. Analysts doubt Putin will relinquish leadership responsibilities to his protégé after Russia sent thousands of combat troops into South Ossetia, launching bombing raids into other parts of Georgia and advancing farther into the former Soviet republic's territory. After more than a week of fighting, both sides signed a French-brokered peace agreement. But days later, Medvedev announced plans to formally recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia, leading to protests from Georgia and the West and sending an icy chill over Washington's relations with Moscow.