When many people first heard of the conflict between Russia and Georgia, their first thought was "What has the state done to Russia?" However, the Georgia in question isn't the one where you'll find Atlanta, it's a small country bordering Russia. 

Fighting broke out between the two countries on Aug. 8 after Georgia began a military strike on the province of South Ossetia. Its intentions were to take the province back from its independence after 16 years.

At this point Russia decided to send in tanks to reinforce South Ossetia. Most people in South Ossetia speak Russian and have close ties with Russia.

 Russians also claimed that Georgia was committing genocide in South Ossetia, but there's no evidence to back that up. When Georgia attacked, they killed 15 Russian troops who were there for peacekeeping purposes, according to Russian officials.

President George W. Bush called for an immediate ceasefire, as did other U.S. officials like Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Around this time, the U.S. made an agreement with Poland to put a missile defense system in the country. This further increased tensions between the U.S. and Russia because Poland borders Kaliningrad, which is part of Russia. (U.S. officials say the system is a preventative measure against countries like Iran and North Korea.)

In mid-August, approximately a week after fighting broke out, Russia and Georgia signed a ceasefire agreement. However, tensions remain high between the two countries, and relationships between Russia and Western countries also remain strained.

Only time will tell if the ceasefire will hold.