with Ray Charles playing 'Georgia on my mind' in the background

Second, it will send a very clear message to Western powers,
particularly the United States, that Russia is back as the major force
in this part of the world.

And that it will listen to no one, and not be told what to do...

Well, I wouldn't go that far... Obviously they crumbled in 1980s, they can do so again. There's nothing 'magical' about now. If Europe isn't too dumb and see things correctly - they can be 'humbled'. They know they can't do squat internally when it comes to economics, so their only means of sustaining and growing is the EU buying their stuff (mostly energy is of value) as well as arms to terror nations. Not exactly a solid formula for success. They didn't endear themselves to anyone (except few in Ossetia) by pulling the Georgia stunt, although they did score a political victory doing it.