In a tit-for-tat move following the latest wave of sanctions imposed by Washington, Russia announced on Friday that it had banned the entry of 500 American individuals, prominently featuring former President Barack Obama on its list. The Russian foreign ministry, in a strongly-worded statement, cited the Biden administration’s repeated imposition of anti-Russian sanctions as the primary motive behind the ban.

The intensification of economic measures against Russia by the United States led to the addition of numerous companies and individuals to Washington’s sanctions blacklist. These latest efforts aim to further squeeze Russia’s economy in response to the ongoing Ukraine offensive.

Reacting to these developments, the Russian foreign ministry made it clear that Moscow is not one to turn a blind eye to what it perceives as hostile actions.

The list of banned Americans unveiled by Russia included prominent television hosts such as Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers.

Notable news personalities like CNN anchor Erin Burnett, as well as MSNBC presenters Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough, also found themselves on the list. According to Russia’s criteria, senators, congressmen, and members of think tanks who have been involved in disseminating what it labels as “Russophobic attitudes and fakes” were also targeted. In addition, the heads of companies allegedly supplying weapons to Ukraine were among those banned from entering the Russian Federation.

Simultaneously, Russia revealed that it had denied a consular visit to detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage charges in March. This decision was reportedly triggered by Washington’s refusal to grant visas to journalists traveling with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April.

The escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, fueled by the back-and-forth of sanctions and countermeasures, underscore the deteriorating relations between the two nations. As both sides continue to engage in retaliatory actions, the chances of finding common ground and resolving their differences appear increasingly remote.

The ban on American individuals, including a former US president, and the denial of consular access to a detained journalist further strain the already fragile relationship between the two global powers. The international community anxiously watches to see if a pathway towards de-escalation can be found amidst this continuing standoff.

YNaija