Russia expands entry ban on EU officials in response to latest sanctions

Russia has announced an expansion of its entry ban list targeting representatives from the European Union and affiliated countries, in response to the EU’s latest rounds of sanctions.

The move, confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry on July 22, follows the approval of the EU’s 17th and 18th sanctions packages against Moscow on May 20 and July 18, respectively. The expanded list includes officials from European institutions, EU member states, and other European countries aligned with EU policies toward Russia, Caliber.Az reports per the Foreign Ministry statement.

According to the ministry, those barred from entering Russia include individuals involved in supplying military aid to Ukraine, facilitating sanctions enforcement, supporting efforts to confiscate Russian state assets, or advocating for legal proceedings against Russian officials. The blacklist also names members of European parliaments, law enforcement, commercial and academic sectors who Moscow accuses of engaging in "anti-Russian activity."

Russia described the move as a response to what it considers “unfriendly actions,” and warned that future sanctions from the EU would be met with further retaliatory measures.

By Sabina Mammadli