In a tit-for-tat response, Russia on Friday said it banned entry to 500 Americans, including former president Barack Obama, in response to sanctions imposed by Washington.

"In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry said, adding that Obama was among those on the list. n 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.

"Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said. This is done because the USA is regularly engaged in banning Russian persons and entities after Ukraine war. 

In a tit-for-tat response, Russia on Friday said it banned entry to 500 Americans, including former president Barack Obama, in response to sanctions imposed by Washington.

"In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry said, adding that Obama was among those on the list. n 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.

"Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said. This is done because the USA is regularly engaged in banning Russian persons and entities after Ukraine war.