Russian Order of Honor for a separatist. Moldova responds with sanctions

On Wednesday, Vadim Krasnoselsky, the leader of Transnistria, which is not recognized by the international community, appeared at the Kremlin, where he received the Russian Order of Honor from Vladimir Putin. This distinction was presented during a ceremony on the occasion of Unity Day celebrated in Russia. The President of Russia emphasized that the award is an expression of recognition for "merits in strengthening friendship and cooperation between nations."

This visit caused an immediate reaction from the Moldovan authorities. Russia wants to provoke us, wants to set a trap for us, said Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during a press conference. Comrade Krasnosielski ignored common sense. He disregarded the minimal level of trust that we were trying to build with the left bank (of the Dniester), he added.

A five-year ban and a clear message for the separatist leader

The Prime Minister of Moldova left no doubts as to the government's position towards Krasnoselsky's actions. Mr. Krasnosielski, please return to Tiraspol (the capital of Transnistria) (…). Let you live there, in this so-called republic; We are imposing a five-year entry ban on you and we have the means to enforce it, Tofan said.

The information about the sanctions was also confirmed by the Office for Reintegration, the agency of the Government of Moldova for Transnistria. It was emphasized that the decision was a direct response to the awarding of the Russian distinction to Krasnoselski.

The Moldovan independent IPN news agency emphasized that the self-proclaimed president of the separatist region does not have the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova. According to the Institute of National Remembrance, when asked about the legal basis for the announced restrictions, Prime Minister Tofan did not provide any explanations. The head of the Moldovan government only stated that the 5-year ban on leaving Transnistria is an "asymmetric decision."

Chisinau has long been accusing Moscow of actions aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country. These include, among others: limiting gas supplies, which is particularly painful for the inhabitants of Transnistria.