Conflict between Russia and Georgia continued to escalate today, as Russia rejected Georgia's ceasefire offer and began invading Georgia. Throughout the day, around 9,000 soldiers and 350 tanks had been massing at a base in the border region of Abkhazia, but have now moved into Georgia proper.

Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin rejected calls from Georgia for a ceasefire, declaring that his country would pursue its mission to its "logical conclusion."

Putin has also criticized the US for supporting Georgia in the conflict, accusing the US of siding with Georgia by ferrying Georgian troops from Iraq to the battle zone.

'It is a shame that some of our partners are not helping us but, essentially, are hindering us. The very scale of this cynicism is astonishing,' said Putin.

The Russian military confirmed tanks had seized a Georgian military base in the western town of Senaki. They also indicated that Russian troops had entered the region from a second rebel province, Abkhazia, where troops have been gathering since the weekend.

Russian warplanes have launched new attacks inside Georgia, one on the outskirts of the capital, and another on the Black Sea port of Poti.

There are now concerns that a new front away from the original site of conflict, South Ossetia, could open up around Abkhazi, which would represent a major escalation in the conflict.

US Vice President Dick Cheney warned Russia in a statement, saying 'Its continuation would have serious consequences for its relations with the United States, as well as the broader international community.'

Russia seems not to have paid that warning any mind, claiming that up to 50 Russian jets were roaming Georgia's skies, ready to strike.