Russia Responds to US Sanctions Announced at the G7 Summit

On Friday, the Kremlin responded to new U.S. sanctions by banning 500 U.S. citizens from entering Russian territory. Among them is former President Barack Obama.

This ban will apply to senior officials, congressmen and senators elected in November 2022, members of U.S. security agencies, and CEOs of military industry companies supplying weapons to Ukraine.

The Kremlin response also cover experts, analysts, and journalists that have participated in spreading false news about Russia. James Kimmel or Stephen Colbert are among them.

"Washington should have understood long ago that not a single hostile attack against Russia will go without a harsh response," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, adding that Moscow will apply the "reciprocity principle" in case of discriminatory acts against its nationals.

During the G7 meeting that takes place in Hirosima on Friday, the United States announced a new package of anti-Russian sanctions that affects some 300 institutions, people, ships, and planes with which the Kremlin maintains relations.

The U.S. State Department and the Treasury Department established over 300 sanctions against companies and individuals located in more than 20 countries or jurisdictions.

According to the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the sanctions are focused on the energy, defense, mining, and technology sectors. More specifically, the U.S. sanctions seek to reduce Russian energy production capacity.

Among the companies affected by Washington is the airline 224th Flight Unit State Airlines, which the U.S. accuses of having transported Wagner members and equipment.