Russia: Barack Obama and 500 American personalities were prevented from entering the region

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that former United States President Barack Obama has been placed on a list banning entry to Russian territory, as well as nearly 500 American personalities.

Russian retaliation against the United States is immediate. On Friday, May 19, Moscow announced that it would prevent 500 Americans from entering its territory, including former President Barack Obama, in retaliation for the sanctions imposed on it by Washington. The State Department indicated that “in response to the anti-Russian sanctions, which are regularly imposed by the Biden administration (…) entry into the Russian Federation is closed to 500 Americans,” noting that Barack Obama appeared on this list.

Several punished TV personalities

Russia’s announcement comes as the United States on Friday blacklisted “more than 300” individuals, businesses, ships and aircraft across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, according to the Treasury Department and State Department. The Russian Foreign Ministry said: “Washington should have known a long time ago that any hostile act towards Russia would not go unanswered.”

Among the figures who will now be banned from entering Russia are presenters or announcers from several American television channels: Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers. Also Erin Burnett (CNN), Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough (MSNBC). Russia has announced that it is blacklisting members of the United States Congress, research institutes “involved in spreading anti-Russian attitudes and false information,” as well as heads of companies that “supply arms to Ukraine.”

A “ridiculous” decision by Greenpeace

Environmental NGO Greenpeace called Russia’s decision to label it an “undesirable” organization on its soil as “ridiculous”. In the same statement, Russia said it had once again banned a consular visit to US journalist Ivan Gershkovich, who was arrested in March after Washington refused to issue visas to some Russian journalists in April.

Since the start of the offensive in Ukraine, the Russian authorities have been largely quick to suppress critical voices. Far from being limited to political opposition, this repression extends to all areas, such as cultural circles and environmental organizations.