Moldova won't succumb!

If it was an Olympic competition for the bravest country in the world, the gold medal would go to Moldova, determined not to succumb to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who could transform it into the next Ukraine, says an editorial published by the New York Times online edition.

Russia already intimidated Moldova mercilessly for trying to get closer to the European Unionby imposing sanctions such as banning exports of wine. Russia threatens also with cutting gas on which Moldova depends. However, the Moldovan government refuses to yield and is decided to join the European Union to strengthen its ties with the West.

"There is no alternative for us but to continue European integration," said the Moldovan Premier Iurie Leanca.

"We are Europeans! Nobody can deny that," he added.