Russia hopes to restore friendly relations with the Georgian people, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the commanders of divisions and brigades of the Russian Armed Forces.

“We have never considered the Georgian government and the Georgian people the same. And I really hope that these brotherly people will finally realize that Russia is not an enemy but a friend and relations will recover,” Putin said.

He stressed that the break in relations with Georgia was not Russia’s fault. “This is the result of the policies that the Georgian leadership pursued and are still trying to hold,” Putin said.

Putin called U.S. actions to intensify the defense of Georgia “a failure” and has warned Tbilisi to refrain from repeated aggression.

“Our American partners are making a mistake ... We have constantly told them about this. And I really hope that … these weapons won’t be used for new acts of aggression,” Putin said.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.