On Friday, Russia announced that it had imposed an entry ban on 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, in retaliation to sanctions imposed by the Biden administration. The Russian foreign ministry stated that this measure was a response to the frequent anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the US.

On Friday, the United States expanded its sanctions blacklist by adding numerous companies and individuals, intensifying its efforts to put pressure on Russia's economy in response to the Ukraine offensive.

The foreign ministry expressed that "Washington should have realized by now that any hostile action against Russia will not go unanswered."

Notable individuals included in the list were television hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers.

The blacklist also encompassed CNN anchor Erin Burnett and MSNBC presenters Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough.

Russia stated that it included senators, congressmen, and members of think tanks who were deemed to be involved in promoting anti-Russian sentiments and disseminating false information. Additionally, the heads of companies that supplied weapons to Ukraine were also listed.

Russia stated in the same announcement that it had declined a consular visit to detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in March on allegations of espionage.

The denial was in response to Washington's refusal to issue visas to journalists accompanying Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his visit to the United Nations in April.