Moldova Hits Kremlin-Backed Transnistria Leader With 5-Year Travel Ban After Putin Award

Nov. 5, 2026 Vladimir Putin and Vadim Krasnoselsky at the Kremlin on Oct. 4, 2026. kremlin.ru Moldova has banned the Moscow-backed leader of its breakaway region of Transnistria from traveling abroad for the next five years after he went to Russia and accepted a state award from President Vladimir Putin. Putin on Wednesday presented Vadim Krasnoselsky with Russia’s Order of Honor during a Kremlin ceremony, crediting him with “strengthening ties” with Moscow despite “external pressure.” During the ceremony, Krasnoselsky told Putin that Transnistria is “indisputably part of the Russian world,” a term used to describe places with cultural and historical ties to Russia. Moldova’s bureau for reintegration policies announced that Krasnoselsky will face “restrictive measures,” including a 5-year ban on leaving the country, upon his return, according to a statement carried by the local outlet Newsmaker. It was not immediately clear where Krasnoselsky was located at the time of the announcement. On Wednesday, Krasnoselsky posted a photo of a military reburial ceremony in Transnistria without indicating whether he was in attendance. The Moldovan reintegration bureau added that it was considering additional penalties against Krasnoselsky “without escalating the situation,” citing Russia’s “constant” intent to destabilize the country, which borders western Ukraine. The bureau condemned Krasnoselsky’s visit and Putin’s award as a Russian “provocation aimed at hindering Moldova’s European integration.” Moldova’s parliament speaker and ruling party leader Igor Grosu echoed that statement. Moldova submitted an EU membership bid after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Transnistria, internationally recognized as part of Moldova, declared independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union and has relied on Russian financial and military support ever since. Russia has around 1,500 troops stationed in the region. Unrecognized presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Transnistria next month. Krasnoselsky is not expected to seek a third term. Read more about: Moldova , Putin , Transnistria Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Transnistria Rejects EU Energy Aid Over ‘Russian Blackmail,’ Moldova Says The EU had pledged 60 million euros in aid, contingent on Transnistria making “steps on fundamental freedoms and human rights.” 1 Min read Moldova Approves 3M Cubic Meter Gas ‘Loan’ to Transnistria Transnistria’s Kremlin-backed leader said the gas could reach the region by the end of the week. 2 Min read Moldovan President Visits Ukraine for Energy, Security Talks With Ukraine's struggle against a Russian invasion nearly in its third year, Moldova is afraid the conflict could expand onto its territory. 2 Min read Russian Gas Cut-Off Sparks More Blackouts in Breakaway Moldovan Region The tiny breakaway republic bordering Ukraine has been unable to provide heating and hot water to its residents since Wednesday. 2 Min read