Russia Expands Entry Ban on EU Officials in Response to New Sanctions

Moscow has sharply condemned the European Union’s latest sanctions against Russia, calling them unilateral, illegal, and in violation of international law. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the EU’s “19th Package of Sanctions,” formally adopted at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on October 23, undermines the powers of the United Nations Security Council.

In retaliation, Russia has significantly expanded its list of EU officials, representatives of member states, and citizens of certain European countries who are now banned from entering Russian territory.

The action falls under Federal Law No. 114-FZ of August 15, 1996, “On the Procedure for Exit from and Entry into the Russian Federation.”

The expanded list targets:

1. Officials of law enforcement, state, and commercial organizations, as well as citizens of EU and other Western countries involved in military aid to Ukraine, supply of dual-use goods, activities undermining Russia’s territorial integrity, or the blockade of Russian shipping.

2. Representatives of EU institutions and European governments engaged in prosecuting Russian officials allegedly involved in “unlawful arrests and deportations from Ukrainian territories.”

3. Individuals supporting the creation of tribunals against Russian leadership.

4. Advocates for the confiscation of Russian state assets or their transfer for Ukraine’s benefit.

5. Persons responsible for enforcing sanctions and attempting to damage Russia’s international relations.

6. Civil activists, academics, and parliamentarians known for anti-Russian rhetoric or who have voted in favor of anti-Russian legislation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the EU’s hostile measures will not influence Russia’s policies. Moscow reiterated its commitment to defending national interests, protecting citizens’ rights, and advancing a multipolar global order.