Moldova publishes list of 26 'undesirable' artists; includes Vynnyk and Morgenshtern
Moldova's Ministry of Culture has released a list of 26 artists from post-Soviet countries whose concerts are not recommended due to security concerns. The list includes Ukrainian singer Oleh Vynnyk and several Russian performers.
The Moldovan Ministry of Culture has published a list of 26 artists from the post-Soviet space whose performances at cultural events are not recommended within the country. The list is advisory and will be updated as new requests from event organizers are received.
The list was compiled based on inquiries from state cultural institutions and concert agencies following a Ministry directive issued in February 2026. The directive required advance notification about inviting artists from abroad, particularly from countries condemned by the international community for armed aggression.
The ministry emphasizes that this is not a ban but a preventive measure to avoid threats to Moldova's security. Event organizers are warned that artists on the list may be denied entry, and responsibility for any consequences falls on the organizers.
The list includes 26 individuals, among them Ukrainian singer Oleh Vynnyk, as well as Russian performers: Klava Koka, Morgenshtern, DJ Smash, Igor Nikolaev, Dmitry Malikov, Egor Kreed, the bands Leningrad, Ruki Vverkh and Tatu, Basta, Leonid Agutin, and others.
Similar measures are being taken in other countries – Lithuania's Seimas has begun reviewing a bill to ban entry to cultural figures from Russia and Belarus, while in Latvia, the National Electronic Media Council (NEPLP) proposes banning radio stations from playing music by sanctioned artists.
