The pro-European president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, is seeking her country's accession to the EU before the end of the decade. She also condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of waging a hybrid war against Chisinau.
Moldova stopped participating in the work of the CIS in 2023, reminds Reuters.
– I just want to say that we are in the process of confirming the termination of three agreements with the CIS – Popsoi said on Radio Moldova, referring to the agreements that were the basis for establishing this organization in 1991.
— Termination of these agreements will mean that, from a legal point of view, we will no longer be members. De facto, we suspended our participation some time ago, but de jure we are still there – added Popsoi.
Why does Moldova want to leave the CIS?
When did Moldova stop participating in the CIS?
What agreements has Moldova terminated within the CIS?
What are Russia's reactions to Moldova's actions?
In December, the Parliament of Moldova approved the termination of three agreements concluded within the CIS framework: an agreement on visa-free travel, an agreement on taxes on imports and exports, and an agreement on payments between economic organizations.
Apart from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States includes: Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan is an associate member.
After Moldovans unequivocally sided with the West in the September elections, the outcome of which was on the minds of all Europe, threats came from the Kremlin. “The current leadership of Moldova, in our opinion, is making a serious mistake. It believes that building relations with Europe means complete antagonization of Russia. One country has already made this mistake. It has not brought anything good to this country,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in October, after Moldova announced a new military strategy, alluding to Ukraine invaded by Russia.
