Good news from Moldova — but not for Vladimir Putin.

In 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, an inter-governmental bloc known as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was formed in its place, ostensibly to foster cooperation in economic, political and military matters, and to exercise certain powers related to the coordination of trade, finance, lawmaking, security, and the prevention of cross-border crime.

Eleven of the 15 former Soviet Republics signed on as full members of the CIS, with one more (Turkmenistan) becoming an associate state. The former Baltic Republics — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — refused to join; and Georgia formally withdrew its membership in 2008, with Ukraine following suit in 2018.

And last week it was announced that Moldova was also leaving the CIS, choosing instead to fully align with the West. It is already a candidate for EU membership, and, while retaining constitutionally neutral status, maintains cooperation with NATO.

Though a small country, Moldova is strategically significant by reason of its location between embattled Ukraine and EU/NATO member Romania. Its formal move away from the Russian sphere of influence and toward a Western alliance is vital to its own defense, and to Europe’s constant struggle for the survival of democracy, as Vladimir Putin continues his attempt to push westward.

Congratulations to the people of Moldova and to their President, Maia Sandu, on this truly momentous occasion. Welcome to the West.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
4/5/26