WASHINGTON: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday said Russia’s military offensive in Georgia is having serious implications for bilateral security relations with Moscow that could last for years to come.

The Pentagon chief, a former Soviet expert at the CIA, also said he saw no prospect for using US military force in Georgia.

Speaking to reporters about the US military’s delivery of humanitarian aid to Georgia and the outbreak of violence since last week, Gates said: “If Russia does not step back from its aggressive posture and actions in Georgia, the US-Russian relationship could be adversely affected for years to come.”

But he told reporters he does not want a return to the Cold War between the two nuclear powers.

Gates said Russia’s actions in the coming days and months will help “determine the future course” of the superpowers’ relationship. He also said there must be “consequences” if Russia does not hold to the cease-fire it has promised.—Reuters