Moldova Bans Transnistria Leader From Leaving Country for Five Years After Putin Award

Moldova has imposed a five-year ban on leaving the country on Vadim Krasnoselsky, the Moscow-backed leader of its breakaway region of Transnistria. The move follows his trip to Russia, where on Wednesday President Vladimir Putin presented him with the Order of Honor at a Kremlin ceremony.

Putin credited Krasnoselsky with strengthening ties with Moscow despite "external pressure." Krasnoselsky told Putin that Transnistria is "indisputably part of the Russian world," a term used for places with cultural and historical links to Russia.

Moldova's response

Moldova's bureau for reintegration policies said Krasnoselsky will face "restrictive measures" on his return, including the five-year ban on leaving the country. The statement was carried by the local outlet Newsmaker. It was unclear where Krasnoselsky was when the announcement was made. On Wednesday he posted a photo of a military reburial ceremony in Transnistria without saying whether he attended.

The bureau added that it was weighing further penalties "without escalating the situation," citing Russia's "constant" intent to destabilize the country, which borders western Ukraine. It called the visit and the award a Russian "provocation aimed at hindering Moldova's European integration." Parliament speaker and ruling party leader Igor Grosu echoed this position.

Background

Moldova applied for European Union membership after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Transnistria, internationally recognized as part of Moldova, declared independence after the Soviet Union collapsed and has depended on Russian financial and military support since then. Russia has about 1,500 troops stationed in the region.

Unrecognized presidential elections are due in Transnistria next month. Krasnoselsky is not expected to run for a third term.