The United States today announced sanctions against Gagauzia’s governor Yevgeniya Gutsul as an active facilitator of fugitive convicted oligarch Ilan Shor and his Shor Party, and their Kremlin-backed illegal political interference efforts.

The US Embassy in Chisinau said the sanctions include blocking any property in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons; prohibiting transactions with U.S. persons or within or transiting the United States; prohibiting providing or receiving funds, goods, or services; and making Gutsul ineligible to enter the United States.

“Moldovans, including residents of Gagauzia, deserve free and fair elections and democratic institutions. And they deserve a future free from the Kremlin’s malign influence. The United States applauds Moldova’s progress on democratic and economic reforms and resilience in the face of the Kremlin’s interference efforts.  We will continue to support the people and government of Moldova to build a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future”, the Embassy said in a press release.

Commenting on the sanctions, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said the prompt reaction of the United States should serve as an example to the Moldovan justice system. “Today, the United States imposed sanctions against Yevgenyia Gutsul for involvement in hybrid actions against the Republic of Moldova and its citizens, actions financed with money from criminal sources. The decision follows effective cooperation with our external partners and we will continue to take decisive action to counter corruption and threats to national security. The interference actions are aimed at disinformation, perpetuation of corruption, destabilization and hijacking of democratic processes in Moldova”, declared the prime minister.