In a retaliatory move against the sanctions imposed by the United States, Russia announced on Friday that it would ban entry to 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama. The Russian foreign ministry stated that the entry into the Russian Federation would be closed for these individuals due to the “anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration.” The ministry further emphasized that the ban was a response to the hostile actions taken by Washington.
This development comes as the United States expanded its efforts to put economic pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. In an attempt to choke off Russia’s economy, the US added several hundred more companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist. Among those newly blacklisted were notable television hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers, as well as CNN anchor Erin Burnett and MSNBC presenters Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough. Russia’s ban also targeted senators, congressmen, and members of think tanks who were deemed to be involved in spreading “Russophobic attitudes and fakes.”
Additionally, the heads of companies supplying weapons to Ukraine were included in the ban. In a related matter, Russia disclosed that it had denied consular access to detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in March on charges of spying. This denial was in response to Washington’s refusal to issue visas to journalists accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on his visit to the United Nations in April. The tit-for-tat measures between Russia and the United States reflect the escalating tensions between the two countries. With both sides taking retaliatory actions, the situation further strains diplomatic relations and adds to the already complex geopolitical landscape.