Not Waiting Their Turn

Since Putin has apparently failed to intimidate Ukraine into submission, other potential victims are using the fear of Russian intentions to propel their escape rather than accept a minor position in the new Russian Empire being built.

This is encouraging:

Undeterred by the conflict triggered by Ukraine's swing towards Europe, the former Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia will sign a trade and political pact with the European Union this month with Russia warning both countries against the move.

The two small countries - Moldova has a population of just over 3.5 million and Georgia 4.5 million - see the signing of an association agreement as the crucial step towards mainstream Europe, leading to eventual membership of the powerful EU trading bloc.

It's sad but true that the European Union is actually superior to Russia's embrace.

It will be interesting to see how Belarus chooses their future.