The Russian Government has banned 500 US citizens, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country.
The Russian Foreign Ministry published the list on Friday, saying the decision was made in response to a new package of anti-Russian sanctions, announced by the White House on May 19.
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“In response to the anti-Russian sanctions, regularly introduced by (President) Joe Biden’s administration, which are designed, according to Washington’s plan, to cause maximum damage to Russia, personally affecting officials and ordinary citizens of our country, as a countermeasure, the entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans,” the Ministry said.
On Friday, the United States added hundreds more companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist as it broadened efforts to choke off Russia’s economy over the Ukraine offensive.
“Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Among those listed were television hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers.
CNN anchor, Erin Burnett and MSNBC presenters, Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough, were also included.
Russia said it blacklisted senators, congressmen and members of think tanks “involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes” and the heads of companies that “supply weapons to Ukraine.”
In the same statement, Russia said it had denied a consular visit to detained US journalist, Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March, on claims of spying.
The decision was triggered by a refusal from Washington to issue visas to journalists travelling to the United Nations with Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, in April.