The Abkaz could find out that Russia simply won’t permit them the luxury of choosing.
Medvedev could be venting his spleen, floating a trial balloon, or articulating state policy, hard to tell.
“The Abkaz could find out that Russia simply won’t permit them the luxury of choosing.”
Yes, being a Russian ally isn’t a very fun position. You gain the benefit that Russia will protect you from your enemies, but you have the problem that no one will protect you from Russia.