Brussels unveiled targeted penalties against individuals accused of coordinating Russia-backed schemes to subvert Moldova’s elections. The measures aim to block illicit funding and influence.

The European Union has approved a new package of sanctions against six individuals for actions aimed at destabilizing, undermining, or threatening Moldova’s sovereignty and independence.

The measures target members of the successor organizations of the banned political party “Shor” and close associates of Ilan Shor.

According to a press release from the Council of the European Union, the sanctions include asset freezes and entry bans or transit restrictions through the territory of EU member states.

The imposed restrictions are linked to involvement in Russia-funded operations aimed at disrupting Moldova’s parliamentary elections in 2025, by coordinating voter-bribery schemes and disinformation campaigns. Some of the sanctioned individuals are connected to the non-governmental organization “Eurasia” (Eurasia), based in Russia and already on the EU sanctions list. Through it, recruitment, training, dissemination of propaganda, and the operation of networks on the ground were organized.

Also included in the announced list is Irina Vlah, the leader of the “Heart of Moldova” party, for an active role in organizing a paid pre-election rally in July 2025, during which public support for a new “patriotic” bloc was simulated. Vlah has repeatedly visited Moscow before the parliamentary elections and met with Russian senior officials to obtain instructions on coordinating the election campaign.

List of sanctioned individuals

The list also includes Anton Tregub, the Russian curator of the political party “Great Moldova,” who coordinated its election campaign and urged bribery and corruption. The party was barred from participating in the elections due to illegal funding and bribery of voters.

Another sanctioned individual is Anton Usov, who infiltrated church structures and coordinated an influence campaign, involving clergy and instructing them on how parishioners should vote. He was also responsible for streamlining payments through Russian channels and for the systematic collection of personal data during religious events.

According to the press service of the Council of the EU, a total of 29 individuals and five legal entities are subject to the restrictions.

In April the Council of the EU extended sanctions for another year against persons and organizations responsible for actions aimed at destabilizing, undermining or threatening Moldova’s sovereignty and independence.

The restrictions take effect today and will remain in force until the EU Council reviews them.

The scope of the sanctions underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s sovereignty and political stability.