Russia Bans Obama, Maddow, Colbert and 500 Americans Over Sanctions.
Russia has banned 500 US citizens, including former President Obama, Rachel Maddow, and Stephen Colbert, from entering its territory in response to US sanctions over the Ukraine war. The list includes former officials, lawmakers, experts, and analysts who spread "Russophobic" attitudes, companies that supplied weapons to Ukraine, and individuals involved in the "persecution of dissidents" who participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The ban also includes late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers and former NBC and MSNBC anchor Brian Williams. The move is seen as retaliation against the US and its Western allies for placing sanctions on Russia numerous times since its invasion of Ukraine.