Moscow: The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Moscow has expanded the "blacklist" of European Union (EU) officials banned from entering Russian territory, in response to the recent package of sanctions imposed by Brussels. The ministry specified that the ban targets representatives of European institutions and EU member states involved in decisions on military aid to Ukraine.

According to Qatar News Agency, the ministry stated, "In response to the EU's unlawful decisions, the Russian side has significantly expanded the list of representatives of EU institutions, EU member states, and a number of European countries aligning themselves with Brussels' anti-Russian policy who are denied entry to the Russian Federation in accordance with Federal Law No. 114-FZ On the Procedure for Exit from the Russian Federation and Entry into the Russian Federation dated August 15, 1996."

The statement further elaborated that the list includes individuals from EU entities, EU member states, and other European countries involved in decision-making on military assistance to Ukraine. The move targets those engaged in activities perceived as undermining the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

On April 23, the EU adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, marking what has been described as "the largest sanctions package in two years."