<P> The post-Soviet states, also collectively known as the former Soviet Union (FSU) or former Soviet Republics, are the states that emerged and re-emerged from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in its breakup in 1991, with Russia internationally recognised as the successor state to the Soviet Union after the Cold War . The three Baltic states were the first to declare their independence, between March and May 1990, claiming continuity from the original states that existed prior to their annexation by the Soviet Union in 1940 . The remaining 12 republics all subsequently seceded. 12 of the 15 states, excluding the Baltic states, initially formed the CIS and most joined CSTO, while the Baltic states focused on European Union and NATO membership . </P> <P> Several disputed states with varying degrees of recognition exist within the territory of the former Soviet Union: Transnistria in eastern Moldova, Abkhazia and South Ossetia in northern Georgia, Republic of Artsakh in southwestern Azerbaijan . Since 2014 the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic in southeast Ukraine have claimed independence . All these polities (except Artsakh) relied on Russian military and financial aid, Artsakh is very integrated with Armenia, who also maintain close military cooperation with Russia . Prior to the Annexation of Crimea by Russia from Ukraine in March 2014, which is not recognized by most countries, it briefly declared its independence . </P> <P> The 15 post-Soviet states are typically divided into the following five groupings . Each of these regions has its own common set of traits, owing not only to geographic and cultural factors but also to that region's history in relation to Russia . In addition, there are a number of de facto independent, but internationally unrecognized states (see the section Separatist conflicts below). </P> <Ul> <Li> Estonia </Li> <Li> Latvia </Li> <Li> Lithuania </Li> </Ul>

How many independent states emerged after the collapse of the soviet union