The Russians will reply you Americans recognized Kosovo's independence over our objections. We're merely following your precedent in the Caucasus. You can't have one standard for your client states and demand another standard for the client states of Russia.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Well the President opened a can of worms with recognizing Kosovo.