Overview of the Sanctions
Russia has announced a travel ban on 92 US nationals, including over two dozen journalists, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday. This action is described as a response to what Russia perceives as the Biden administration’s “Russophobic policy” aimed at causing a “strategic defeat” for Moscow.
Details of the Ban
The list of banned individuals includes members of the US government, pro-democracy activists, academics, and leaders of defense contracting firms and financial institutions involved in supplying weapons to Ukraine. This move also targets several journalists from prominent media outlets.
The ban affects reporters from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Notable among those listed is Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker, who had advocated for the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich, recently freed in a prisoner swap. Other journalists on the list include the WSJ’s deputy editor-in-chief, Kyiv bureau chief, former Moscow bureau chief, and several editorial board members.
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Military and Government Figures Targeted
The sanctions also include high-ranking US military officials such as 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.
Context and Reactions
This recent travel ban adds to the list of over 2,000 Americans previously barred from entering Russia, including many US politicians. The Russian Foreign Ministry has justified this escalation as a response to the “insane sanctions frenzy” by the American ruling elite. The ministry warns that the expansion of the entry ban list will continue as part of Russia’s broader strategy against what it deems anti-Russian activities.
US Response and Ongoing Sanctions
In response, the US Treasury Department has targeted companies and individuals that support Russia’s military efforts and evade sanctions. Recently, the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 123 entities to the Entity List, expanding restrictions on the supply of US-origin and US-branded items to Russia and Belarus. Since March 2022, BIS has added over 1,000 entries to the Entity List in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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