Lithuania has banned Irina Vlah, a Moldovan national, from entering its territory, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.
Vlah was the governor of Moldova’s Gagauzia region between 2015–2023.
“This step was taken because of her ties with Russia and active support for Russia’s illegitimate interference in Moldova’s political processes,” the ministry said.
The ministry argues that Vlah regularly visits Russia, meets with the country’s officials, and coordinates Russia’s meddling in Moldova’s internal affairs and democratic processes, including in the country’s upcoming parliamentary election.
She was sanctioned by Canada in August.
“Accordingly, Moldova’s Interinstitutional Oversight Council imposed restrictive measures against Vlah, while the Moldovan State Tax Service froze her funds and other assets,” the statement reads.
The ban on Vlah’s entering the territory of Lithuania is valid for five years.
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