Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered an end to military operations against Georgia, the Kremlin says.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered an end to military operations against Georgia, the Kremlin says.
He told officials he had taken the decision to end the operation after restoring security for civilians and peacekeepers in South Ossetia.
He told officials he had taken the decision to end the operation after restoring security for civilians and peacekeepers in South Ossetia.
However, Russia has been highly critical of Georgia's leadership, and there were no signs of imminent talks.
However, Russia has been highly critical of Georgia's leadership, and there were no signs of imminent talks.
Before the announcement, there were fresh reports of Russian warplanes bombing the Georgian town of Gori.
Before the announcement, there were fresh reports of Russian warplanes bombing the Georgian town of Gori.
Witnesses told the BBC that several people were killed when a bomb hit a hospital.
Witnesses told the BBC that several people were killed when a bomb hit a hospital in the town, which is 10 miles (15km) from the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.
A reporter for the Reuters news agency said several bombs exploded in front of his vehicle, while a photographer for the agency spoke of seeing dead and injured people lying in the streets.
A reporter for Reuters news agency said several bombs exploded in front of his vehicle, while a photographer for the agency spoke of seeing dead and injured people lying in the streets.
The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, near Gori, reported seeing sporadic artillery fire in and around the town, which is 10 miles (15km) from the South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali.
News of Mr Medvedev's decision emerged as French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Moscow expecting to press Russia on the need for a ceasefire.
The explosions continued until shortly before the announcement by the Russian president that military operations would end, he added.
According to a statement, Mr Medvedev told his defence minister and chief of staff that "the goal has been attained".
"I've decided to finish the operation to force the Georgian authorities to peace. The safety of our peacekeeping forces and civilian population has been restored.
"The aggressor has been punished, having sustained considerable losses. Its armed forces have been disorganised," he added.
The BBC's James Rodgers, in Moscow, said there is no sign yet that Russia is willing to engage in talks with the government in Tbilisi.
Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has insisted that Georgia must sign a legally binding document on the non-use of force.
And Mr Medvedev warned that Russia would not tolerate any further Georgian military activity in South Ossetia, saying: "Should centres of resistance or other aggressive attempts arise, you must take the decision to destroy them."
The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, near Gori, reported seeing sporadic artillery fire around the town right up until shortly before the Russian announcement.
Our correspondent said there was no sign of Russian troops south of Gori, but said there were a number of Georgian military vehicles abandoned or burnt on the road outside the town.
Our correspondent said there was no sign of Russian troops south of Gori, but said there were a number of Georgian military vehicles abandoned or burnt on the road outside the town.
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