In brief
In a notable shift following rising tensions from the Ukraine conflict, Moldova has taken steps to distance itself from Russian President Vladimir Putin by relocating his wine collection within the Cricova Winery's renowned underground cellars.
The Cricova Winery, famous for its extensive underground tunnels and significant history of high-profile visitors, has decided to remove Putin's collection, a gift given to him by a past Moldovan leader, from public display. The director of the winery, Sorin Maslo, confirmed that the bottles, gifted during Putin's earlier visits, are now stored in a sealed, dark area to spare visitors the discomfort of encountering the Russian leader's memorabilia.The decision stems from growing scrutiny following Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting questions about why the controversial figure's collection remained accessible. Maslo remarked that the winery was inundated with inquiries regarding the presence of Putin's bottles, leading to a strategic move to ensure that "nobody has to deal with him."Interestingly, other significant collections, such as a display of wine previously owned by Heinrich Himmler, remain untouched. Among the valuable collections, the winery also showcases a gift of 460 bottles presented to former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during his visit in 2013.This quiet yet poignant alteration in Moldova's approach highlights a broader geopolitical shift as the country navigates its identity and alliances in light of ongoing conflicts in the region. The decision to segregate Putin's wine collection reflects Moldova's intentions to distance itself from the increasingly strained relations with Russia, engaging more closely with the West.As the turbulent political landscape continues to evolve, Moldova seeks to redefine its image while retaining its historical allure, all within the depths of its sprawling wine cellars.
