Russia Bans Entry to Over 60 Australian and New Zealand Citizens

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned more than 60 citizens from Australia and New Zealand from entering Russia as a response to the sanctions imposed by these two countries against Russian individuals. "In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by the Australian government as part of the collective West's Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 27 Australians, comprising former politicians, executives of Australian companies, university teachers, journalists and public figures," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by (TASS) news agency. Among those subject to Russian sanctions are former Australian Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Robert Chipman, and other security officials. The list also includes former Australian ambassadors to Ukraine, several university professors from Australia, and several journalists. Russia has also indefinit ely banned entry to 36 citizens of New Zealand as a response to the sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by New Zealand's government as part of the collective West's Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 36 New Zealanders, comprising politicians, chiefs of security agencies, university teachers, journalists and public figures," the statement said. Source: Qatar News Agency