Russia has barred 500 Americans including former US President Barack Obama entry inside the country, the report in NDTV said on Saturday.

The report said Russia’s move came in reaction to sanctions imposed by US on it.?

"In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the report quoted Russia’s foreign ministry as having said.

“On Friday, the United States added hundreds more companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist as it broadened efforts to choke off Russia's economy over the Ukraine offensive,” it mentioned.

"Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the report quoted Russia’s foreign ministry as having said.

“Among those listed were television hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers. CNN anchor Erin Burnett and MSNBC presenters Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough were also included,” it said.

The report said Russia blacklisted senators, congressmen and members of think tanks "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes" and the heads of companies that "supply weapons to Ukraine."

“In the same statement Russia said it had denied consular visit to detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in March on claims of spying,” it said.

It added the refusal was triggered by a refusal from Washington to issue visas to journalists travelling to the United Nations with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in April.
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