Updated

The U.S., Europe and several of their allies are out to make the case that Russia's decision to recommend independence to two Georgian rebel provinces was "shortsighted," a White House spokesman said Wednesday.

"I'm not into looking for signs, I think we'll continue to make our case. Europe, the United States and other leaders around the world will make the case to Russia that this is a very shortsighted decision on their part," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said when asked whether he saw any signs that Russia was backing down.

Fratto's comments came as U.S. military ship loaded with aid docked at a southern Georgian port.

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Meanwhile, Russia sent three missile boats to another Georgian port as the standoff escalated over a nation devastated by war with the Russians.

Georgia's government said its short war with Russia had caused $1 billion in damages, while European leaders called the Kremlin's moves in two breakaway Georgian regions an unacceptable attempt to unilaterally redraw the map of the Caucasus region.

Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.