Rice Says Russia On Path To Isolation, Irrelevance

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is telling Russia that its policies have put it on a path to isolation and irrelevance.

Rice is set to deliver a speech Thursday that will call Russia’s invasion of Georgia last month a “critical moment for Russia and the world.” She says the United States will stand up to Russia.

Excerpts of the speech were released in advance.

Rice criticizes Russia for becoming “increasingly authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad.”

She also mocks Russia for its international isolation following the Georgia conflict. She says that Russia’s international standing is at a post-Cold War low.