Moldova welcomes Russian anti-war artists as Bi-2 associates gain citizenship
Pro-European President Maia Sandu signed a decree on New Year’s Eve 2025 granting Moldovan citizenship to eight Russian nationals.
The group includes family members and technical associates of the dissident rock band Bi-2.
This move follows a previous wave of naturalizations in May 2025. The latest recipients include Gleb Koliadin, a musical arranger for the band, and Fedor Bornik, the son of lead singer Igor Bortnik.
Strategic support for Kremlin critics
The list also features Evgenii Remizovskii, a video editor for the group, alongside Evgeniia Andreeva, Olga Belikova, Kirill Desiatov, Dmitrii Smirnov, and Ilia Vorobev. Their inclusion signals Moldova's continued support for Russian figures fleeing political persecution.
Bi-2 is one of the most prominent Russian-language rock bands. Founded in 1988, the group became vocal critics of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to their exile.
Escaping "Foreign Agent" status
The Russian government designated lead singer Igor Bortnik as a "foreign agent" after he publicly criticized President Vladimir Putin. This legal label often serves as a precursor to criminal charges in Russia.
The band’s seven members hold various citizenships, including Israeli and Australian. After performing in Chisinau in 2023, several members sought the safety of Moldovan documentation to ensure their freedom of movement and expression.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
