Russia Expands EU Sanctions List

Russia has expanded its entry ban list, targeting officials from EU member states and institutions in retaliation for EU's 16th sanctions package. The sanctions, adopted in February, notably included measures against a cryptocurrency exchange, reflecting ongoing tensions between Russia and the European Union.

In a move intensifying diplomatic tensions, Russian authorities have significantly broadened their entry ban list to include a larger number of officials from European Union member states and its institutions, the Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

The decision comes as a direct countermeasure to the European Union's latest batch of sanctions imposed on Russia, further straining relations between Moscow and Brussels.

The 16th package of EU sanctions, adopted in February, marked a first by targeting a cryptocurrency exchange, highlighting the evolving nature of economic reprisals amid geopolitical discord.

(With inputs from agencies.)