Moldova: Council lists six individuals for actions destabilising the country

On 15 June, the Council of the European Union imposed restrictive measures against six individuals responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, including actions aimed at subverting its democratic processes.

The listings include members of successor entities to the outlawed ȘOR political party and close associates of the EU-sanctioned Ilan Shor. According to the Council, these individuals have been actively involved in Russian-funded operations aimed at disrupting the parliamentary elections of September 2025, by coordinating vote buying schemes and disinformation campaigns. Some of the sanctioned individuals are also linked to the EU-listed Evrazia, a Russia-based non-governmental organisation through which recruitment, training, propaganda dissemination and field networks were organised.

More specifically, the Council has listed Irina Vlah, the leader of the Inima Moldovei Party, for her active role in organising a paid election rally in July 2025, feigning public support for the newly formed ‘patriotic’ political bloc. Vlah repeatedly undertook visits to Moscow in the run-up to the September 2025 parliamentary elections, meeting with high-ranking Russian officials to receive electoral coordination instructions.

Among those listed is also Anton Tregub, a Russian curator for the Moldova Mare political party, coordinating its electoral campaign by encouraging bribery and corruption. The party was excluded from participating in the elections because of illegal financing and voter buying. 

Anton Usov, another Russian national, infiltrated church structures and coordinated an influence campaign by mobilising priests and instructing them on how their parishioners should vote. He is also responsible for facilitating payments through Russian channels and for the systematic collection of personal data during religious events.

With the latest listings, EU restrictive measures currently apply to a total of 29 individuals and five entities.

Individuals and entities listed under the EU sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. This framework prohibits providing them with funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, a travel ban is enforced against listed natural persons, preventing them from entering or transiting through the territories of any EU member state.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This legal framework for restrictive measures was first introduced in April 2023 at the request of Moldova. It allows the EU to impose sanctions against persons responsible for, supporting or implementing actions which undermine or threaten Moldova’s sovereignty and independence, as well as the country’s democracy, the rule of law, stability or security.

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Press release