Russia expands entry ban list in response to EU sanctions

Russia has expanded its list of European officials and other public figures barred from entering the country, citing the European Union’s latest package of sanctions against Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The expanded restrictions target representatives of European institutions, members of national parliaments in EU countries and members of the European Parliament who supported anti-Russian resolutions and legislation, according to the ministry, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The list also includes academics and civil society activists whom Moscow accuses of holding positions hostile to Russia.

“Any further actions by the European Union to expand anti-Russian unilateral sanctions will continue to receive an appropriate response from us,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The European Union approved its 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in July 2026. Moscow said its latest countermeasures target individuals involved in decisions concerning military assistance to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and efforts to seize Russian state assets or use profits generated from those assets.

The latest move comes amid continuing legal and economic disputes between Russia and the EU over sanctions and frozen Russian assets.

On September 15, the Bank of Russia filed a case with the General Court of the European Union challenging a provision that allows European courts to block Russian individuals from seeking recognition and enforcement of Russian court decisions in other jurisdictions.

By Sabina Mammadli