Is this independence?

Earlier this week, Russia formally recognised South Ossetia’s “independence”.  And now, as the Telegraph reports:

Znaur Gassiyev, the Speaker of South Ossetia’s parliament, said the enclave would formally join Russia “in several years” or possible earlier. This had been “firmly stated by both leaders” during their meeting in Moscow.

Tarzan Kokoiti, the deputy Speaker, predicted: “We will live in one united Russian state.”