The country's divisions will preclude meaningful integration with any bloc, whether European or Russian.

Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine are unlikely to grow closer to the bloc in the near future.

Chisinau's foreign policy is unlikely to change significantly no matter its government.

A Russian spokesman suggested the breakaway region could join Moldova, but significant constraints remain.

The Customs Union can gauge Moscow's success in spreading its influence in its former Soviet republics.

Despite increased cooperation with Romania, Moldova is not likely to shift significantly toward the West.

The contest between Russia and Romania for influence in Moldova will focus on economics and security, given Moldova's politics.

Russia considers several countries in its periphery to be important but not critical. They are also easy to control, making them less of a focus for Moscow.