According to the decision of the EU Council published on Thursday, six individuals and an association were added to the European Union’s sanctions list for actions aimed at destabilizing, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova.

“Moldova is one of the countries most affected by the consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. There are serious, intensified and ongoing attempts to destabilize the country. Today’s lists send another important political signal about the EU’s unwavering support for Moldova, its stability, independence and sovereignty. The EU remains determined to continue to take decisive action against those who destabilize our immediate neighborhood,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, according to News.ro.

Six individuals and one organization were included in the EU sanctions list: Kyrylo Huzun, Dmytro Milyutin, Arina Korshikova, Dumitru Kitoroaga, Maria Albot, Viktor Petrov and the public association Narodny Shchyt.

The targeted individuals are banned from entering the European Union and their assets in EU member states will be frozen. “All the persons listed today are subject to asset freezing. EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing funds to them. In addition, six persons are subject to a ban on entry and transit through the territory of the EU,” the EU Council said in a statement.

Ilan Shor, Marina Tauber, Volodymyr Plahotniuk, Gheorghe Kavkaliuk and Ihor Chaika were already on the list of EU sanctions, also for destabilization attempts.

“Efforts to destabilize the Republic of Moldova have significantly intensified since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and pose a direct threat to the stability and security of the EU’s external borders. The EU remains unwavering in its support for Moldova, its resilience, security, stability, economy and energy supply in the face of destabilizing activities incited by external actors,” the EU statement said.

President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Doreen Rechan published messages in which they thanked the European authorities for the measures taken. While the head of state said that the decision of the Council of the European Union indicates that “together we are stronger in ensuring a secure future”, the prime minister noted that the decision is a signal of “unconditional” support from the EU for the struggle of the Republic of Moldova against Russia’s hybrid war.

Who is subject to EU sanctions?

NewsMaker explains who was on the EU sanctions list on Thursday. Some of them have connections with Ilan Shor’s press trusts.

Kyrylo Huzun – former border guard, leader of the People’s Shield paramilitary formation

“Cirill Huzun is the founder and current leader of the People’s Shield, a paramilitary organization from the Republic of Moldova, composed of ex-soldiers, ex-policemen and ex-law enforcement officers who resort to violence during protests, mainly to destabilize the Republic. Moldova. During attempts to destabilize the national government in February 2023, protest groups associated with the later banned SOR party and the Building Europe at Home (PACE) party were supported and surrounded by members of the People’s Shield, who participated in riots and violent demonstrations,” the EU decision reads.

Dmytro Milyutin is the deputy head of the operational intelligence department of the 5th Directorate of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia.

“Dmytro Milyutin is the deputy head of the operational intelligence department of the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), responsible for Russia’s covert operations in the Republic of Moldova since 2016, especially in the Transnistrian region, destabilization of the constitutional order. Through his agents, Milutin manages, coordinates and manipulates certain political actors in the Republic of Moldova, pursuing pro-Russian goals, thus undermining the democratic political process in the Republic of Moldova. In addition, Milutin’s group is involved in the organization of violent protests and other acts of violence that take place in the Republic of Moldova,” the document states.

Arina Korshikova – director of media trusts, associate of fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor

“Arina Korshikova heads several media communication trusts in the Republic of Moldova, one of which owns two TV channels “Accent TV” and “Primul în Moldova”, whose broadcasting licenses were suspended by the Republic of Moldova for broadcasting incorrect information about the Russian war. aggression against Ukraine and current political events in the Republic of Moldova. Despite the fact that “Primul în Moldova” has lost its television broadcasting license, it continues to broadcast false statements aimed at destabilizing the constitutional order in the Republic of Moldova. (…) In addition, she is related to Ilan Shor,” the document states.

Dumitru Kitoroaga is the director of media trusts, an associate of Ilana Shor

“Dumitru Kitoroaga is the administrator of a media trust that owns several media channels in the Republic of Moldova, being at the same time the director of these channels. Relevant media communication channels often disseminate messages aimed at obstructing and undermining the democratic political process through patently false statements about the government of the Republic of Moldova. In addition, they express their open support for the figure of the list Ilan Shor and his political party Shor. Some of these channels were owned or created by Ilan Shor through intermediaries,” the EU decision reads.

Maria Albot – foreign relations adviser to the Basque mayor of Gagauzia Yevgenia Hutsul, who is supported by Ilan Shor

“Maria Albot is a long-time trusted associate of Ilan Shor’s list figure. She currently holds a senior position in one of his foundations, the Myron Shor Foundation, and is involved in the Bank Fraud case, which affected the financial stability of the Republic of Moldova. Previously, she held positions in other companies or foundations owned or related to Ilan Shor. That is why she is associated with Ilan Shor,” the EU claimed.

Viktor Petrov is a politician, deputy of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia

“Viktor Petrov is the vice-speaker of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia and the leader of the clearly pro-Russian social and political movement “People’s Union of Gagauzia”, ​​which united with the political party “Renaissance”. He receives political support from the figure of the list Ilan Shor. “Viktor Petrov takes an active part in spreading false information and inciting violence, as well as cultivating a sense of fear among the Gagauz population of the Republic of Moldova in connection with the possible loss of autonomy due to the fault of the Chisinau authorities,” the document states. .

Public association “People’s Shield”.

“People’s Shield” is a paramilitary organization from the Republic of Moldova, which includes ex-military, ex-police and ex-law enforcement officers. It is headed by Kyrylo Huzun and participates in protests, especially with the aim of destabilizing the Republic of Moldova, resorting to violence. During attempts to destabilize the national government in February 2023, protest groups associated with the later banned SOR party and the Building Europe at Home (PACE) party were supported and surrounded by members of the People’s Shield, who participated in riots and violent demonstrations,” the EU decision reads.