Culture Ministry makes public list of artists from Commonwealth of Independent States' countries not recommended for cultural events in Moldova

The Culture Ministry has made public the list of artists from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), whose concerts and participation in cultural and artistic events are not recommended on the territory of Moldova. The document is advisory in nature and aims to prevent potential security risks associated with the organization of cultural events.

According to the Culture Ministry, the list was drawn up based on information provided by cultural institutions and impresario companies, following a circular sent in February 2026 regarding the invitation of foreign artists. The document is a recommendation and does not constitute a ban, but rather an instrument for assessing possible risks prior to organizing cultural events.

"We reiterate that the Culture Ministry does not prohibit the organization of cultural events and does not limit international collaborations. The purpose of this measure is to prevent situations in which the holding of concerts, performances, festivals or other cultural and artistic activities may trigger security risks for Moldova. The Culture Ministry draws the attention of organizers that, should they decide to invite artists included in this list or public figures who have supported or justified armed aggression, they assume any potential consequences related to the holding of the event, including the possibility that the invited artists may not be allowed to enter the territory of Moldova, which may lead to the cancellation of the event and damage to the reputation of the organizer and the partners involved," the institution’s press release reads.

The list includes 26 artists and bands, among them Leonid Agutin, Diana Arbenina and the band "Nochnye Snaipery", Morgenshtern, DJ Smash, Basta, "Ruki Vverh" (Sergei Zhukov), "t.A.T.u", as well as other performers from the CIS area.

The list will be updated, as the Culture Ministry receives new requests from events’ organizers. The institution recommends that companies and organizers seek the opinion of the Ministry before publicly announcing events and before putting tickets on sale.