The European Union is in Russia's crosshairs, which, following the latest European sanctions packages, has responded with similar sanctions against "representatives of European institutions and member states." Among those sanctioned, banned from entering Russian territory, are "deputies of EU member states and the European Parliament who voted for anti-Russian resolutions and laws."

"The European Union continues to escalate unilateral and unlawful restrictive measures under international law, which undermine the prerogatives of the UN Security Council," the statement states. Moscow has therefore decided to respond by "significantly expanding" the list of European citizens banned from entering Russia. The long list, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, includes "employees of law enforcement agencies, state and commercial organizations, citizens of EU member states and other Western countries responsible for providing military assistance to Kiev." Also targeted are "representatives of European institutions, government bodies of EU countries, and other European states," who are involved, among other things, in the creation of a new special tribunal to try the Russian leadership and in calls for the confiscation of Russian assets or the use of their profits for Kiev's benefit.

Access to Russia was also blocked for activists and representatives of the scientific community who have been known for their "Russophobic rhetoric." The Kremlin also promised a "prompt and appropriate response" in the event of new sanctions from the European Union.

(Unioneonline)

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