Russia warns Georgia over rebel provinces

Russia’s foreign minister said Georgia could “forget about” getting back its two breakaway provinces, and the former Soviet republic remained on edge as Russia sent tank columns to search out and destroy Georgian military equipment.

Uncertainty about Russia’s intentions and back-and-forth charges clouded the conflict, days after Russia and Georgia signalled acceptance of a French-brokered cease-fire, and a week after Georgia’s crackdown on the two provinces drew a Russian military response.