Russia has imposed a travel ban on 92 US nationals, which includes over two dozen journalists, as a retaliatory measure against what Moscow views as the Biden administration’s “Russophobic policy.” This announcement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The list of individuals banned from entering Russia comprises members of the US government, pro-democracy activists, academics, and leaders of defence contracting firms and financial institutions involved in supplying weapons to Ukraine. The travel ban notably affects several journalists from prominent media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Among those listed is Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker, who had previously advocated for the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich, recently freed in a prisoner swap. Other journalists targeted include the Wall Street Journal’s deputy editor-in-chief, Kyiv bureau chief, former Moscow bureau chief, and several members of the editorial board.

The sanctions also extend to high-ranking US military officials. These include Commander of the US Space Command Stephen Whiting, Commander of Space Systems Command Philip Garrant, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy John Plumb.

This latest travel ban expands the already extensive list of over 2,000 Americans previously barred from entering Russia, which includes numerous US politicians. The Russian Foreign Ministry justified this action as a reaction to what it described as the “insane sanctions frenzy” by the American ruling elite, emphasising that the expansion of the entry ban list will persist as part of Russia’s broader response to perceived anti-Russian activities.

In response to Russia's measures, the US Treasury Department has taken action against companies and individuals supporting Russia’s military efforts and those attempting to evade sanctions. The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently added 123 entities to the Entity List, which expands restrictions on the supply of US-origin and US-branded items to Russia and Belarus. Since March 2022, BIS has added more than 1,000 entries to the Entity List, as part of the ongoing response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

These actions highlight the escalating tensions and tit-for-tat measures between the United States and Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Image source: Reuters