Russia refused entry to a number of Moldovan officials and journalists holding Moldovan citizenship in what the Moldovan foreign ministry described as a reaction to hostile actions by Chisinau. The statement came in an interview with Igor Zakharov, the official representative of Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was cited by TASS.
According to the diplomat, more than ten individuals were barred from entering Russia. The list includes senior government officials and trusted aides who play key roles in Moldova’s administration and governance.
Among those affected are Adriana Balutsela, the Secretary General of the State Chancellery and a member of Moldova’s Supreme Security Council; Olga Roscu, an adviser to the president; Artur Mizhu, the General Secretary of the Government; and Alexander Manol, the Coordinator of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation. In addition, seven Moldovan media workers were blocked from entry, underscoring what Moldova describes as punitive measures directed at media professionals and government-linked figures alike.
From Moldova’s perspective, the move is presented as a response to what its authorities view as politically driven persecution of Russian media and discrimination against Russians seeking entry into Moldova. The situation is framed as part of a broader pattern of tensions between the two countries and reflects the ongoing strain in bilateral relations.
In a related diplomatic gesture, the Moldovan side delivered a protest note to the Moldovan Ambassador to Moscow, Lilian Darius, at the Russian Foreign Ministry. The document was presented as a formal objection to what Moldova terms hostile actions by Chisinau, signaling a continued exchange of protests through official channels on this issue.
On the domestic front in Moldova, reports have highlighted concerns about the country’s growing national debt, a development Moldova observers say could influence the policy debates and international posture of the government. The debt topic adds another layer to the broader economic and political context in which parliament and ministries operate as they address external pressures and regional dynamics.