Moldova Bans Russian Military Commanders, Threatening Arrest for Non-Compliance

Moldovan Government Declares Russian Military Commanders Persona Non Grata

According to Главком: The Moldovan government has declared members of the command of the Russian Operational Group of Forces (OGRF), stationed in the breakaway region of Transnistria, as undesirable persons. This decision stems from the illegal presence of the Russian army on Moldovan territory. Those named on the list are required to report to territory controlled by Moldova's central government to legalize their status. Should they attempt to cross checkpoints to the right bank of the Dniester River or fly out via Chisinau Airport, they risk detention and deportation.

List of Undesirable Persons

The individuals declared persona non grata include:

• OGRF Commander Dmitry Zelenkov
• Deputy Commanders Dmitry Opalev, Sergey Mashenko, and Sergey Shirshov
• Chief of Staff Marat Yarulin
• Alexey Bogomolov

These individuals have been declared undesirable on the territory of the Republic of Moldova for a very simple and concrete reason: the Russian army is illegally present on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. This is what we stated, we dared, and we made this decision-to declare them persona non grata.

Igor Grosu, Head of the 'Action and Solidarity' Party

In a related development, Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate a concerning economic situation in Transnistria, with the region's exports having fallen by nearly 60% and imports decreasing by 24.5%. Tiraspol has adopted a new budget and tax concept for 2027–2029, which could impact the region's future economic development. Since the start of the year, Moldova has declared 76 foreigners undesirable for periods ranging from 5 to 15 years, signaling a tightening of law enforcement controls in the country.

This move by Moldova reflects escalating tensions with Russia, particularly regarding the longstanding Russian military presence in Transnistria, a major regional security concern. The economic difficulties in Transnistria may become an additional factor affecting stability in this part of Moldova. The Moldovan government continues to emphasize its stance on the illegality of foreign military presence, indicating an intent to strengthen national sovereignty and security. Moldova's actions occur against the backdrop of broader regional instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting its efforts to assert control over its territory.

In light of Moldova's recent decision to declare Russian military commanders as persona non grata, it is important to understand the broader implications of these actions. The government’s move not only restricts the movement of military leadership but also reflects the ongoing tensions in the region. For a deeper insight into how Moldova has curtailed the mobility of Russian military officials beyond Transnistria, see this related article on the situation. Moldova has blocked the leadership of the Russian military from freely moving outside Transnistria.