U.S. presidential candidates continue to pay close attention to the conflict in Georgia, with both campaigns urging an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgian territory.

Presumed Republican nominee John McCain has been more vocal in his criticism of Russia, commenting at press conferences, publishing an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal and asking two campaign allies — Senators Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham — to visit Georgia on his behalf.

Keeping the international issue at the forefront of his campaign may help McCain. A July Wall Street Journal/NBC poll found that 53 percent of respondents said McCain would make a better commander in chief, only 25 percent favored Obama for the job. McCain’s campaign is eager to persuade voters that it is important to select a leader with international experience.

Both candidates said the United States should review their relations with Russia in light of the situation. And while he has been particularly critical of Russia, McCain said August 13 that “I don’t think we are going to re-ignite the Cold War.”

What do you think - are changes in store for U.S.-Russian relations? Submit your comments below.

For more on the ongoing conflict, see “Rice Rejects Russian ‘Protector’ Role in South Ossetia, Abkhazia.“