BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union said on Monday it had imposed restrictive measures on five individuals and one entity for actions it deems as destabilising Moldova, part of the bloc's efforts to counter Russian influence in the country.
The new sanctions, which come shortly before a presidential election in Moldova, include asset freezes and travel bans, and focus on key figures in Gagauzia, an autonomous region of Moldova with separatist tendencies.
Among those listed are the pro-Russian governor of the region, Evgenia Gutul, as well as several officials linked to separatist activities.
Evrazia, a Russia-based NGO promoting Russian interests, and its founder, Nelli Parutenco, were also sanctioned.
Moldova's government welcomed the new EU sanctions.
"This is an important step in building resilience and combating malign influence in Moldova," Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said on social media platform X.
In total, the EU's restrictive measures now apply to 16 individuals and two entities.
Moldova has accused Russia of trying to interfere in its Oct. 20 presidential election, which will be held alongside a referendum on making European Union membership a strategic goal in the constitution.
Russia accuses Moldova's President Maia Sandu and her team of fomenting "Russophobia".
Sandu, whose country is located between EU member Romania and Ukraine, is tipped to win another term in the election.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Bart Meijer, Additional reporting by Yuliia DysaEditing by Gareth Jones)
