US Congressman Joe Wilson warns of Putin’s efforts to restore Soviet-era influence

During a congressional hearing with General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of US European Command, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using every possible means to rebuild the failed Soviet Union.

“What we see is Vladimir Putin making every effort to resurrect the failed Soviet Union,” the Congressman said, citing Russia’s continued military presence in Moldova’s Transnistria region, its involvement in falsifying elections in Belarus, and its aggressive actions in Georgia, including the occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He also pointed to Russia’s full-scale invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022, which resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.

The congressman further alleged election interference efforts in Georgia, referencing the 2024 parliamentary elections and claims of attempts to undermine President Salome Zourabichvili. He also mentioned suspected attempts to influence elections in Romania, though he noted these efforts have not been successful.