The Russian government has announced a travel ban on 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, in response to the recent anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the Biden administration.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this move reflects Russia’s strong stance against what it perceives as hostile actions from the United States.
The Russian foreign ministry stated, “In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration… entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans,” specifically noting Obama’s inclusion on the list.
The latest round of sanctions imposed by the United States targeted numerous organisations and individuals, aiming to further isolate Russia economically due to its actions in Ukraine.
The Russian foreign ministry emphasised that “Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered.” It further revealed that prominent figures, such as Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Erin Burnett of CNN, Rachel Maddow, Joe Scarborough of MSNBC, and leaders of corporations involved in supplying weapons to Ukraine, were among those named in the travel ban.
In addition to the travel ban, Russia has denied consular access to Evan Gershkovich, a US journalist arrested in March on suspicion of spying.
The denial of consular access comes as a response to the United States’ refusal to grant visas to journalists accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April.
