Moscow bans entry to 500 US citizens, including former President Obama

WORLD, May 20 (YPA) – The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday, that Moscow has banned 500 Americans from entering the country in response to US sanctions.

“In response to the staple anti-Russian sanctions by the Joe Biden administration, which are designed by Washington to inflict maximum damage on Russia, personally affecting officials and ordinary citizens of our country, 500 Americans are denied entry to the Russian Federation as a countermeasure,” the ministry said.

The  ministry pointed out that Moscow’s sanctions list included not only “dignitaries, including former US President Barack Obama,” but also current high-ranking officials from every level of the executive branch, former officials, as well as “the heads of defense companies that provide arms to the Kiev regime.”

It stressed that it is time for Washington to know that any hostile attack against Russia will not be left without a harsh response.

“The principle of imperative punishment will be applied continuously, whether it is to tighten the pressure of sanctions or to take discriminatory steps to impede the professional activities of our citizens,” the statement added.

E.M