The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it has responded to the European Union’s (EU) new sanctions package by significantly expanding the list of EU officials and member state representatives banned from entering Russia.
“In response to the EU’s 15th sanctions package, Moscow has expanded the list of representatives from EU countries and European institutions barred from entering Russia,” the statement said, adding that this is a reaction to hostile actions.
The list includes representatives of law enforcement agencies, government and commercial organizations from EU countries, and citizens of EU member states responsible for providing military assistance to Kyiv.
The list also features employees of European institutions and government agencies from EU countries “involved in prosecuting Russian officials for unlawful arrests and transferring people from Ukrainian territories, creating ‘tribunals’ against Russian leadership, and advocating for the confiscation of Russian state property or using its proceeds to benefit Kyiv.”
Moscow has also included civil society activists, members of the academic community, as well as EU member state and European Parliament delegates who voted for anti-Russian resolutions and laws and are attempting to undermine Russia’s relations with other countries.
“We affirm that any hostile actions by the EU will continue to receive a timely and adequate response,” the statement emphasized.
On Monday, December 23rd, the EU introduced its 15th sanctions package against Russia, including stricter measures targeting Chinese entities and additional vessels from the so-called Moscow shadow fleet.
