All great powers support independence movements when those independence movements are in line with their larger interests and objectives. They oppose similar independence movements when they are not in line with their larger interests and objectives.

This is true of Russia. It's true of the USA. Neither side is supporting who they are supporting out of altruism, they are doing it out of pragmatism.

For either of them to claim the moral high ground is ironic, to say the least. For the Georgians to claim the moral high ground is equally ironic, if not more so. They attacked South Ossetia first.

As for the Ossetians, I figure they have a right to decide whether or not they wish to be part of Georgia, and they seem to have decided some time ago that they don't want to be part of Georgia.