In order to get a monopoly on the export of oil from the forrmer Soviet Union Russia has supported the rebel breakaway Republic of South Ossetia. The Georgian government attempted to enforce its control over its internationally recognized borders. The Russian military invaded and has been bombing cities in Georgia particularly Gori and Tiblisi. Russia used to import large quantities of Georgian wine but further imports have been banned for several years. The Georgian American community is small but several of its members are very influential. They have requested aid from the general community in the United States. They may call for a retaliatory boycott of Russian vodka.