Dmitry Rogozin, the Russian ambassador to NATO, has warned that “the real secession” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia would begin as soon as NATO indicates Georgia can join the alliance.

“As soon as Georgia gets some kind of prospect from Washington of NATO membership, the next day the process of real secession of these two territories from Georgia will begin," he said in an interview with Reuters.

When asked if Russia might recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Rogozin said: "My personal view is this: we will have no arguments remaining to stand in the way of this process."