Russia on Friday barred the entry of several unidentified Moldovan officials, the Russian state news agency RIA reported, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Relations between Russia and Moldova, which has a pro-European government, deteriorated sharply with the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Moldova, a small former Soviet republic, shares a border with Ukraine as well as NATO member Romania, Reuters reports.

“He accepted this news with great personal satisfaction. This means that we are part of the good,” explained Radu Marin, PAS deputy to President Maia Sandu, after learning that he was included in the list of Moldovan officials banned from entering Russia.