U.S. imposes sanctions on Russia for its influence on Moldova

The United States imposed sanctions on seven Russians for their role in a malicious influence campaign in Moldova. One Russian company has also been subjected to U.S. restrictions.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the press service of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Thus, the U.S. sanctions list includes:

Konstantin Sapozhnikov: the leader of a malicious influence group. He organized a conspiracy to destabilize the government of Moldova in early 2023.

Yuriy Makolov: engaged in logistical support of the conspiracy to destabilize the government of Moldova.

Gleb Khloponin: engaged in the gathering of security guards of various government buildings in Moldova for the conspiracy to destabilize the government of Moldova.

Svetlana Boyko: a senior member of the harmful influence group engaged in drawing up a budget for the conspiracy to destabilize the government of Moldova.

Alexey Losev: conducts intelligence in Moldova for the conspiracy to destabilize the government of Moldova. Losev owns the Perko Julleuchter workshop, which produces ceramic lanterns. The workshop is also subject to U.S. sanctions.

Vasiliy Gromovikov: involved in financing a plot to destabilize the government of Moldova.

Anna Travnikova: involved in influence operations of a malicious influence group aimed at a foreign audience. These operations were aimed at swaying public opinion abroad in favor of Russia in the context of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that Ukrainian intelligence had intercepted a plan developed by Russia aimed at destroying the political situation in Moldova. The goal of this plan is to eliminate the democratic regime in the country and seize power from Moscow.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu informed about Russia's persistent attempts to establish a pro-Russian government in Moldova in order to use the country's territory as a base for military operations against Ukraine, similar to the Kremlin's use of the territory of Belarus.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 06/06/2023