The Russian foreign ministry banned 963 American politicians, business leaders and celebrities from entering the country as retaliation for sanctions following the war in Ukraine.
More than 900 American celebrities, politicians and business leaders have been “permanently banned” from Russia by the country’s foreign ministry.
A total of 936 people have been banned as retaliation for the series of economic, political and cultural sanctions imposed on the country since its invasion of Ukraine in February.
Among those now barred from entering Russia is Morgan Freeman, 84-year-old Hollywood actor and star of The Shawshank Redemption.
Freeman was banned from Russia after fronting a video for the Committee To Investigate Russia, an organisation which accuses Moscow of interfering in US politics.
The clip was directed by Rob Reiner – who also directed hit films including This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men – who has himself been banned from entering Russia.
“We emphasise that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Russian counter-sanctions are forced and aimed at forcing the ruling American regime… to change its behaviour, recognising new geopolitical realities.”
