Chisinau’s expectation that the losses from severing trade ties forged within the CIS framework would be offset by greater access to the European Union (EU) market is not being met, as confirmed by official Moldovan statistics, Zakharova added.

The diplomat noted, “Imports exceeded exports of goods three times in 2025, and the trade deficit increased by almost a third equal to 2024, surpassing seven billion dollars. Those suffering the most are the Moldovan economy, which is on the verge of collapse, and the people of this country.”

Zakharova described it as cynical that Moldova’s most important decision to leave the CIS was not made by local authorities in open dialogue with society, but rather imposed by the votes of the ruling majority in Parliament.

Moldova has ceased participating in CIS meetings since 2022, although it remains a formal member.

Authorities expressed their intention to redirect exports toward Western markets and raised the need to withdraw from several agreements within the bloc.

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