Russia’s foreign ministry has declared a ban on 500 US citizens, including former President Barack Obama, in response to the latest round of sanctions imposed by Washington.
In addition, the ministry revealed that Russia has denied the US’s request for consular access to detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was apprehended on suspicion of spying back in March.
The decision to implement this ban stems from the US’s refusal last month to issue visas to media accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his visit to the United Nations, according to a statement released by the Russian foreign ministry.
The ministry emphasized that “not a single hostile attack on Russia will go unpunished.”
Earlier on Friday, the United States unleashed punitive measures against over 300 targets, intensifying one of the most stringent sanction efforts ever executed and seeking retribution for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that these actions will further tighten the noose on Vladimir Putin’s ability to carry out his aggressive incursion and bolster global endeavors to obstruct Russian attempts to evade sanctions.
The US treasury department announced the imposition of sanctions on 22 individuals and 104 entities with connections to more than 20 countries or jurisdictions.
This includes companies engaged in the import, shipping, or manufacturing of electronic components, semiconductors, and microelectronics destined for Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified that Friday’s action targets an international network responsible for procuring components for the Russia-based entity involved in the production of the Orlan drone, which Russian forces and their proxies have been employing in Ukraine.
The sanctions also extend to Russian intelligence services procurement networks and agents, including those in Liechtenstein and the Netherlands.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation has also been affected.
Additionally, the treasury department has imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy educational and research institutions, aiming to curtail Russia’s future capabilities in the extractive industry.
