Russia expands entry ban list in response to EU's new sanctions

MOSCOW - Russia has substantially expanded its entry ban list of representatives of EU institutions and member states, as well as other European countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The list includes members of law enforcement agencies, government and commercial organizations, and citizens of EU member countries and other Western countries responsible for "supplying military aid to Kyiv, facilitating deliveries of dual-purpose products to Ukraine, engaging in activities aimed at undermining Russia's territorial integrity, or organizing blockades against Russian vessels and cargo in the Baltic Sea", said the ministry in a statement in response to the EU's 17th and 18th packages of sanctions against Russia.

It includes representatives of EU bodies, national authorities of EU countries and other European states involved in politically motivated prosecution of Russian officials for alleged "illegal detentions and deportations from Ukrainian territory", those supporting the creation of a so-called "tribunal" against the Russian leadership, and advocates of confiscating Russian state assets or redirecting revenues from them to the benefit of Kyiv, it said.

The list also covers individuals responsible for drafting or enforcing anti-Russia sanctions, those attempting to damage Russia's relations with other states, outspoken Russophobic activists and representatives of the academic community, as well as EU and European Parliament deputies who have voted for anti-Russia resolutions and draft laws, it added.

"Further sanctions-related decisions by the EU will also be met with a timely and appropriate response," said the ministry.

The Council of the European Union approved the 17th and 18th packages of sanctions on Russia on May 20 and July 18, respectively.

The 18th package of sanctions blacklisted over 50 individuals and entities. The price cap for Russian oil was reduced from 60 US dollars to 47.6 US dollars per barrel. The EU also banned the import of petroleum products made of Russian oil.