Reply To Sanctions, Russia Bans Entry Of EU Officials

JAKARTA - The Russian government has decided to ban anyone from the European Union (EU) and several Western countries involved in providing military assistance to Ukraine.

The policy was taken in response to the 17th and 18th sanctions packages from the European Union against Russia.

According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) on Tuesday (16/7), the ban applies to citizens and employees of security agencies, government agencies, as well as companies in EU and a number of Western countries.

"In response to this unfriendly act, Russia has significantly expanded the list of representative agencies from the European Union and several other European countries following Brussels [EU headquarters]' anti-Russian policies. They are prohibited from entering our country," the Russian Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement quoted by ANTARA from Sputnik, Tuesday, July 22.

The entry ban also applies to individuals involved in the persecution of Russian officials and plays a role in blocking Russian ships.

All anti-Russian measures will not affect our policies. Russia will continue to defend its interests," the statement continued.

The Russian Foreign Ministry insists anti-Russian measures will not affect its policies, and Russia will continue to defend its interests.

Russia emphasized that any further sanctions decisions from the EU would be rewarded with an immediate and appropriate response.