Russia expands entry bans for EU officials and citizens

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has significantly expanded its list of foreign citizens prohibited from entering Russia. This move serves as a direct response to the European Union's 21st package of sanctions, which was approved by the EU Council on July 23 to target the Russian economy.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the new entry bans target representatives of EU institutions, EU member states, and various European nations that support Brussels' anti-Russian policies. The restricted individuals include those involved in providing military aid to Kyiv, those participating in activities aimed at undermining Russia's territorial integrity, and those responsible for imposing sanctions or obstructing Russian maritime interests.

Additionally, the measures extend to civil activists, members of the academic community with hostile stances toward Russia, and members of national parliaments within the EU who support the current sanctions regime.