Canada announces additional sanctions against Russian collaborators in Moldova

October 17, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against Russian collaborators in Moldova under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations.

These sanctions are being imposed against 9 Moldovan individuals who are associated with influential oligarchs, such as Vladimir Plahotniuc and Ilan Mironovich Shor, who have previously been sanctioned by Canada. Some individuals being sanctioned today are also connected to Mr. Shor’s political party, the Shor Party, sanctioned by Canada in June 2023 in response to its continued efforts to destabilize the democratically elected Moldovan government in favour of Russia.

Canada is also sanctioning 6 television stations that have had their operating licences revoked by Moldova’s Commission for Exceptional Situations. These channels actively promote and disseminate Russian disinformation to justify Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Canada is imposing these sanctions against Russian collaborators in Moldova in the context of the fourth meeting of the Moldova Support Platform, taking place October 17, 2023, in Chisinau, Moldova. The platform coordinates international support for Moldova in the context of the crisis triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.