politics
January 22, 2026
Moscow responds to ‘short-sighted’ Moldovan decision to exit Russian-led bloc
Moldova’s plan to leave the Commonwealth of Independent States will only hurt its citizens, Moscow has said
TL;DR
- Moldova has initiated procedures to leave the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova believes this decision will hurt Moldova's citizens, who are already experiencing poverty.
- Zakharova stated that Moldova must comply with CIS procedures, including a 12-month notification period, and fulfill its obligations to other CIS members.
- She criticized the move as driven by "Brussels' geopolitical ambitions" and warned of Moldova becoming a "territory of lawlessness and poverty."
- Zakharova cited economic statistics, including a widening trade deficit and shrinking real incomes, to support her claims.
- Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon echoed these criticisms, suggesting the decision was dictated by Western "sponsors" and against the wishes of most citizens.