Russia forbids entry of eight EU officials

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the detainees include European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, and European Parliament President David Susssol.

The European Union continues the policy of unilateral, restrictive and illegal measures targeting Russian citizens and organisations”.

Such actions by the European Union leave no doubt that their real goal is to curb the development of our country at any cost”, the Russian Foreign Ministry said through a statement.

Last month, the EU sanctioned two Russians charged with persecuting homosexuals and lesbians in the Russian region of Chechnya.

In the same month, the EU sanctioned four senior Russian officials, close to President Vladimir Putin.