Biden banned from entering Russia

MOSCOW (AFP) — Russia on Saturday published a list of 963 leading Americans, including US President Joe Biden, Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg and Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman banned from entering the country in retaliation for similar moves by Washington since the offensive in Ukraine.

Those named in the list on the Russian foreign ministry’s website also include U.S. government officials, lawmakers and other leading figures.

Moscow had already announced sanctions targeting many of those on the list, in particular Biden, his Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the head of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin and Zuckerberg.

Freeman, who had not previously been named by Russian authorities, is accused by Moscow of having recorded a video in 2017 in which he claimed Russia was plotting against the U.S.

“The Russian counter-sanctions are necessary and aim to constrain the U.S. which is trying to impose a neocolonial ‘world order’ on the rest of the planet… to change its position and recognize new geopolitical realities,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

It added that Moscow remained open to “honest dialogue” and drew a distinction between the people of the U.S. and the authorities “inciting Russophobia.”

Since the offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has banned hundreds of “Anglo-Saxons” from Russia.

On Saturday, it said it had also banned 26 more Canadians, including Sophie Trudeau, the wife of the Canadian Prime Minister

Biden signs $40 bil. for Ukraine assistance

President Biden on Saturday signed legislation to support Ukraine with an additional $40 billion in U.S. assistance as the Russian invasion approaches its fourth month.

The legislation, which was passed by Congress with bipartisan support, deepens the U.S. commitment to Ukraine at a time of uncertainty about the war’s future. Ukraine has successfully defended Kyiv, and Russia has refocused its offensive on the country’s east, but American officials warn of the potential for a prolonged conflict.

The funding is intended to support Ukraine through September, and it dwarfs an earlier emergency measure that provided $13.6 billion.

The new legislation will provide $20 billion in military assistance, ensuring a steady stream of advanced weapons that have been used to blunt Russia’s advances.