Russia Bans 92 US Citizens Amid Intensifying Russophobic Tensions

Russia's foreign ministry has barred 92 U.S. citizens, including journalists and military-industrial figures, from entering the country. This move comes amidst escalating tensions due to the Ukraine conflict, which is described as the worst crisis in U.S.-Russia relations since the Cold War. The list includes notable media and academic figures.

Russia's foreign ministry on Wednesday prohibited entry to 92 U.S. citizens, including journalists, lawyers, and heads of key military-industrial firms, citing Washington's 'Russophobic stance.'

The Ukraine war has plunged U.S.-Russia relations into their worst crisis since the Cold War. On Tuesday, Russia accused the West of provoking conflict by contemplating allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with Western missiles. The ministry's list, shared on Telegram, included 14 Wall Street Journal employees, five senior journalists from the New York Times, and four from the Washington Post.

The Wall Street Journal, recently secured the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich in a prisoner swap after 16 months in Russian detention, described the bans as 'laughable' and typical of attacks on the free press. Russia's foreign ministry targeted editorial staff from 'leading liberal-globalist publications' for producing 'fakes' about Russian armed forces.

The bans respond to the Biden administration's 'Russophobic course,' part of widespread sanctions targeting Russian officials, businesspeople, scientists, and journalists. A Wall Street Journal spokesperson called the bans an 'all-out assault on free press and truth.' The New York Times and Washington Post did not provide immediate comments.

Russia views its 'special military operation' in Ukraine as part of a broader conflict with the West, which it claims aims to incapacitate Russia. Kyiv and Western allies denounce the war as illegal. The list also comprised state prosecutors, U.S. defense industry employees, and university professors.

(With inputs from agencies.)