Russia said on Friday it has barred 200 US citizens from entering its territory, including President Joe Biden’s brothers and several senators, in retaliation for Washington’s sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The State Department said that 200 US citizens, including officials, lawmakers, their relatives, corporate executives and experts, “are taking part in promoting the anti-Russian campaign and supporting the regime in Kyiv.”
Those on the list include the president’s sister Valerie Biden Owens, two brothers James Bryan and Francis William and White House press secretary Karen Jean-Pierre, as well as senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
The blacklist also included American writer and expert on Russia Ann Applebaum, editor-in-chief of Politico magazine Matthew Kaminsky and the husband of Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Paul.
Western capitals, including Washington, have imposed a series of unprecedented sanctions on Russia in connection with its attack on pro-Western Ukraine.
Russia responded by banning more than 1,000 US citizens from entering the country, including actors Ben Stiller and Sean Penn.