According to a report, Russia’s former president Dimiitri Medveded said Russia could formally annex two breakaway regions of neighbouring Georgia. Reportedly, Abkhazia and South Ossettia have been under Moscow control since a conflict between Russia and Georgia over the regions in 2008. According to the report, Russia recognises the regions as independent states while the u.n. recognises them as russian occupied Georgian territories. Reportedly, Mr Medeved suggested that they could formally join Russia, and the move would be pushed forward if Georgia takes steps towards joining nato.