Moldova’s Ministry of Culture has published a list of Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) artists whose participation in events held in the country is “not recommended.”
According to the ministry, the list was compiled in response to requests received from public institutions and event promotion companies seeking guidance on inviting performers from Russia and other CIS countries.
The published list contains 26 names. Authorities noted, however, that the document may be updated in the future, and organizers have been warned that individuals included on the list could be denied authorization to enter the country.
“We reiterate that the Ministry of Culture does not prohibit the organization of cultural events and does not restrict international cooperation. The purpose of this measure is to prevent situations in which concerts, performances, festivals or other cultural and artistic activities could generate security risks for the Republic of Moldova,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry emphasized that the measure is aimed at addressing security concerns rather than imposing a blanket ban on cultural exchanges.
In February 2026, the Ministry of Culture issued a circular informing organizers that the participation of Russian or CIS artists in events held in Moldova would require prior authorization from the ministry.
The latest announcement formalizes that procedure by identifying performers whose participation authorities currently consider undesirable on security grounds.