War with Georgia in August, 2008 showed, that Russia had "the combat-capable army" and Russia "emerged from that conflict with dignity," Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev said on October 15.

He said that those events of August, 2008 were "a very tough test" for him.

"I very much hope that we will not face similar tests in coming years, in decades," Medvedev said.

He made the remarks at a town-hall-style meeting with supporters in Moscow after one participant from the audience, who said he fought in the August war, thanked Medvedev for standing firm and not reversing his decision to send troops to Georgia.

"I have analyzed for many times what I did, how I did, contrary to those perceptions and propaganda, which is underway in some countries. This burden of taking such a decision always lies with a single person. Whatever happens this single person will then be either blamed or thanked," Medvedev said.

He said that what Russia did in August, 2008 demonstrated that "despite problems the armed forces had faced for a long time, we have the combat-capable army, which can put everything in order and hold actually any force accountable."

"It was a very serious lesson for everyone, who have been thinking up various kinds of plans in respect of our country and in respect of our neighbors," Medvedev said.
 
"I think that everyone has learnt a lesson and Russia emerged from that conflict with dignity. I do not wish any leader of any country - whether of Russia or Georgia or of any other country - to take such a decision. But there are moments when such decisions have to be taken and one has to be ready for that," he added.