As shelling and gunfire punctured a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine, the U.S.'s top military official made a rare visit to another former Soviet republic --- Georgia.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's trip had two aims --- reassuring Tiblisi in the face of tremendous upheaval in the region AND sending a pointed message to Moscow.
Touring a U.S. military base here, Hagel discussed plans to build a training center, and other ways to shore up Georgia's forces.
He also had other good news --- The former Soviet republic now has enhanced status with NATO.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CHUCK HAGEL, U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, SAYING:
"The enhanced partnership status relationship that Georgia has just received in NATO is going to expand significantly defense capabilities, training, equipping, partnership possibilities for Georgia with all of the NATO partners."
The move brings Georgia closer to full membership -- something fiercely opposed by Moscow.
Georgian official