Russia has announced a ban on entry for 92 American citizens, which includes journalists from international news platforms. The ban is said to be permanent for those on the list, which comprises American government officials from various departments such as the Justice Department, Treasury Department, and Space Force. Additionally, several academics from prestigious institutions like Harvard University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Virginia are also among those banned.
The list includes individuals such as an editor-in-chief of a news journal, whose reporter was recently released from Russian detention after spending 15 months incarcerated. A senior editor, who previously served as a Moscow bureau chief, is also on the ban list. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that these bans are a response to what they perceive as a 'Russophobic course' taken by the Biden administration.
The ministry further mentioned that the ban list encompasses editorial staff and reporters from prominent liberal-globalist publications that have been accused of producing and spreading misinformation about Russia and its armed forces. The ministry warned that the list of banned individuals may be expanded in the future.
In its statement, the ministry criticized the United States for imposing broad sanctions on Russian politicians, businesspeople, and media figures, labeling it as a 'mad sanctions frenzy.' The ministry referred to everyone on the ban list as US citizens, although in the past, individuals working for American companies have also been targeted.
This is not the first instance of Russia issuing a ban on Americans. Last year, Moscow banned around 500 Americans, including former US President Barack Obama and several US senators. In response to the recent ban, a spokesperson condemned the Putin regime for its assault on press freedom and truth, calling the list of banned individuals 'laughable.'
Following the ban, a news journal confirmed that they no longer have any reporters operating within Russia.
