In response to the numerous sanctions imposed by the European Union since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Russia has decided to retaliate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained in a press release that European leaders, as well as the majority of MEPs, will no longer be able to enter Russian territory.
Russia announced Thursday to ban entry into its territory to European leaders and the majority of MEPs, in reaction to punitive measures aimed at Moscow for its military intervention in Ukraine.
“The restrictions apply to the most senior leaders of the European Union, including a number of European commissioners and heads of European military bodies, as well as the vast majority of members of the European Parliament, who promote anti-Russian policies,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
A list not yet fully defined
This measure also applies to politicians from EU member countries, as well as public figures and journalists who “have supported illegal sanctions against Russia, incited Russophobia or violated the rights and freedoms Russian-speaking populations,” the ministry added.
Russian diplomacy has not published the list of people targeted, but said it had informed the European representation in Moscow of this measure. “We reaffirm that any hostile action by the EU and its member states will inevitably continue to be met with a firm response,” the Russian ministry said.
Joe Biden already inadmissible to Russia
In response, the Western camp, led by the United States and the EU, imposed heavy economic sanctions on Russia, targeting in particular President Vladimir Putin, his government and oligarchs.
In mid-March, Moscow had already announced a ban on entry into Russian territory targeting President Joe Biden and several senior American officials.