Russia blacklists more EU officials in tit-for-tat move

Russia blacklisted the heads of some European private military companies, some members of security services, EU lawmakers and other officials who are "personally responsible for promoting anti-Russian policies", the statement read. The European Commission said the EU deplored the ban of an unknown number of representatives of EU countries and institutions.

Russia said on Friday it had banned more European Union officials from entering Russia in response to restrictions imposed on Moscow by Brussels, without disclosing how many people were involved or giving their names.

"The Russian side ... decided to expand a reciprocal list of representatives from EU member countries and institutions, who are banned from entering Russia," the foreign ministry said in a statement on its official website. Russia blacklisted the heads of some European private military companies, some members of security services, EU lawmakers and other officials who are "personally responsible for promoting anti-Russian policies", the statement read.

The European Commission said the EU deplored the ban of an unknown number of representatives of EU countries and institutions. "This decision lacks any legal justification and transparency and will meet an appropriate response. With it, Russia continues to fuel a climate of tensions in Europe instead of contributing to de-escalation," a spokesperson said.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)