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full screen A woman in Moldova slaps a picture of pro-EU president Maia Sandu during a demonstration last fall in favor of EU-sanctioned oligarch Ilan Shor. Archive image. Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP/TT
A paramilitary group, a Russian FSB chief and two media executives are affected when EU countries strengthen their sanctions around Russian influence campaigns in Moldova.
“There are serious, extended and continued attempts to destabilize the country. Today’s listings send yet another important political signal about the EU’s unwavering support for Moldova,” writes the EU’s head of foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, in a press release.
Freezing of any assets in the EU and visa ban now apply to the organization Scutul Poporului – People’s Shield – and six more people. It includes Dmitry Milyutin, head of department within the Russian FSB, as well as media managers Arina Corsicova and Dumitru Chitoroaga, both of whom are closely linked to the already previously sanctioned oligarch Ilan Shor.
In December, the leaders of the EU countries gave the go-ahead to membership negotiations with both Moldova and neighboring Ukraine. However, no formal negotiations have yet begun.