The EU imposed sanctions against the pro-Russian head of Gagauzia in Moldova, Evgenia Gutsul, “for promoting separatism”

The Council of the European Union imposed sanctions against Eugenia Gutsul, the bashkan (head) of Gagauzia, an autonomous territory within Moldova. As stated in the Council decision published on the official website of the EU, Hutsul promotes separatism and strengthening ties with Russia, “trying to overthrow the constitutional order, thereby threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, as well as democracy, stability and security.”

The document mentions that in the past Hutsul worked in the now banned Shor party of Ilan Shor and participated in its illegal financing. “She invited several of Shor’s associates to take positions in the Executive Committee of Gagauzia, despite the fact that these individuals have no ties to Gagauzia. Despite lacking constitutional authority to do so, she made an official visit to the Russian Federation and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin."

Three more Gagauzians were included in the sanctions list: deputy Hutsul Mikhail Vlah, deputy head of the region’s external relations department Yuri Kuznetsov and deputy of the People’s Assembly Ilya Uzun. At the same time, sanctions were imposed against the Russian NGO “Eurasia,” which promotes Russia’s interests, including in Moldova, and the founder of this organization, Nelly Parutenko.

People on the sanctions list are prohibited from entering the EU and their assets will be frozen. In addition, the sanctions imply a ban on the direct or indirect provision of EU funding or economic resources to them.

Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi welcomed the introduction of sanctions against the Hutsuls. “This important step helps strengthen resilience and combat malicious influence in Moldova,” the Moldovan publication NewsMaker quotes the minister as saying.

In June, Evgenia Gutsul was included in the US sanctions list.