Russia vs Georgia: How/Why did this all happen? What is Russia trying to achieve and Why?

Question

(and if you can) How do Russian citizens generally feel about this?

Answer 1

Russia is very resentful of losing Soviet states.  And of losing sattelite states to the West.  Many have joined NATO.  Georgia has aligned with the West, is right on their border, and wants to join NATO.  Russia feels like this is a progression of being hemmed in, surrounded.

Answer 2

It happened because Georgia started military actions in South Osetia ( that is de facto independent republic though not recognized internationally) that borders Russia. Georgian government has continued to terrorize South Osetian civilians for over a decade. Russia has taken South Osetia's side and threatened to retaliate if Georgia continues violence in South Osetia. That's how it happened.