“Resolute Backlash”
Russia sanctions EU representatives en masse
03/31/2022, 7:26 p.m
As a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, sanctions are being imposed worldwide against Russia and its representatives. The Kremlin reacts with countermeasures – this time it hits the EU. Their representatives are no longer allowed to enter the country. At least those who oppose the war.
Russia has announced a travel ban for EU leaders and MPs in response to sanctions over its war of aggression in Ukraine. “The restrictions apply to the highest EU officials, including a number of EU commissioners and heads of EU military structures, as well as the vast majority of MEPs who support anti-Russian policies,” the Foreign Ministry said in Moscow. The “black list” also includes representatives of governments and parliaments of individual EU countries.
The punitive measures also apply to politicians from EU member states and to personalities and journalists who “supported illegal sanctions against Russia, fueled Russophobia or violated the rights and freedoms of the Russian-speaking population”. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not publish a list of those affected. In its statement, it stressed that “any hostile action on the part of the EU and its member states” will “inevitably lead to a determined counter-reaction”.
Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression on February 24, the EU, the USA and other western countries have imposed tough economic sanctions, which are aimed in particular at Russia’s head of state Vladimir Putin, his government and Russian oligarchs. The EU had previously sanctioned 351 members of the Russian parliament – they had spoken out in favor of recognizing the self-proclaimed East Ukrainian People’s Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk. After that, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized both as independent states and started a war against Ukraine.
Moscow responded with counter-sanctions, among other things the government announced in mid-March an entry ban for US President Joe Biden and several high-ranking US officials. It was the first time that Russia published a list of affected persons. However, the step was considered symbolic. The United States had previously personally sanctioned Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other government officials and aides.