President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez said Russia was right to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence.

“Russia has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We support Russia. Russia is right and is defending its interests,” Reuters reported, quoting Chavez as saying on August 29.

The Associated Press reported that the Venezuelan leader had criticized Georgia over the conflict and had called President Saakashvili a "puppet" of Washington.

Belarus has also made a similar statement, saying that Russia had “no other moral choice” other than to recognize the two breakaway regions.

Both Venezuela and Belarus, however, have yet to formally recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

President Saakashvili said that the entire “civilized world” is united in condemnation of the Russian move.

“Only one or two failed states may recognize [the two breakaway regions] – mainly those that are Russia’s tails,” Saakashvili said on August 29. “Russia is today isolated as never before.”