**Putin's Wine Bottles Sealed Off: A Symbolic Snub from Moldova**

As tensions flared between Russia and Ukraine, Moldova's Cricova Winery, a historical site known for its extensive underground cellars, has taken steps to distance itself from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Once celebrated as a guest, his wine collection, gifted by a previous Moldovan leader, has been relegated to a dark corner, in a move reflecting the shifting political landscape.

The Cricova Winery, renowned for its exquisite wines and deep-seated historical connections, previously held bottles from various dignitaries, including Hermann Goering and John Kerry. However, since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022, the winery has faced scrutiny regarding the presence of Putin's memorabilia. As Sorin Maslo, the director of the winery, noted, the decision to remove Putin's collection from view was driven by public sentiment and the controversial context surrounding his leadership.

In response to numerous inquiries about why Putin's gifts were still publicly displayed, the winery decided to act. While the bottles have not been destroyed, their relocation to a secluded part of the cellars serves as a clear statement of Moldova's discontent with the Russian president's actions. Whether this move will resonate internationally remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly reflects Moldova's strategic positioning amid increasing global tensions.