The Council of the European Union has extended for one year the sanctions against those responsible for Russia’s destabilizing actions. This includes five Moldovan citizens.
The restrictive measures will be maintained at least until October 9, 2027. In total, these target 80 individuals and 20 entities.
Among the Moldovans targeted are activist Veaceslav Valico and blogger Dmitri Buimistru, according to newsmaker.md.
The EU notes that Veaceslav Valico was involved in a destabilization operation organized by Russia. He participated in drawing Stars of David on the streets of Paris, shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The EU document states that the action was organized in exchange for a financial reward and was aimed at causing tensions in French society. Additionally, Valico is involved in the systematic spread of disinformation in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as part of Russia’s hybrid actions.
Dmitri Buimistru is considered the main propagandist of the online television station MD24, created by the fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor following the withdrawal of his media institution’s licenses. Buimistru is accused, according to the cited source, of spreading pro-Kremlin disinformation and undermining the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova.
In addition to the two, the list also includes businessman Anatoli Prizenko, accused of coordinating the destabilization operation in Paris, from October 2023. Prizenko publicly assumed responsibility for this action.
Restrictive measures are also targeting Moldovan citizens Iurie Neculiti and Ivan Neculiti, the executive director and owner of a company registered in the United Kingdom. The company provides hosting on servers around the world and would allow Russia-sponsored actors to carry out destabilizing activities, including information manipulation, interference, and cyber attacks against the EU and third countries.