Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his government has revoked a 2012 decree which undergirds recognition of Moldova’s sovereignty in the ongoing dispute between Moldova and the opposition territory of Transdniestria. The dispute stems from 1990 when the region broke away from Moldova amidst fears Moldova would unite with Romania. There was a brief armed conflict in 1992, but nothing since. Russia has maintained peacekeepers in Transdniestria for the past 30 years and the 2012 decree was an attempt to resolve the issue. Moldova’s new prime minister has recently announced policy which sets the small country on a course for EU membership.
