Kiev (AP): British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Wednesday that Moscow succumbed to "the temptations of power politics" with its invasion of Georgia and warned Russian President Dmitry Medvedev not to start a new Cold War.

Speaking in Kiev, Miliband had harsh words for Russia and a message of support for Ukraine, which like Georgia is a former Soviet republic whose pro-Western leader is seeking NATO membership.

He said Russia made short-term military gains when its forces drove deep into Georgia this month after repelling an attack on separatist South Ossetia. "But over time it will feel the economic and political losses. If she truly wants respect and influence, and the benefits which flow from it, then Russia needs to change course," Miliband said.

"Russia is more isolated, less trusted and less respected than two weeks ago," he said, according to a copy of the speech provided by the British Foreign Office.

"The Georgia crisis has provided a rude awakening," Miliband said. "The sight of Russian tanks in a neighbouring country on the 40th anniversary of the crushing of the Prague Spring has shown that the temptations of power politics remain."

Miliband criticised Russia's recognition Tuesday of South Ossetia - the separatist Georgian region at the heart of the five-day war earlier this month - and another breakaway region, Abkhazia.

"The Russian President says he is not afraid of a new Cold War," he said. "We don't want one. He has a big responsibility not to start one."