Russia’s Foreign Ministry has indefinitely banned 235 Victorian and South Australian politicians from entering the country. The list includes former Premier Dan Andrews.
The ministry said the travel ban was in response to “politically motivated” Australian sanctions, such as financial penalties, imposed against Russian individuals and entities.
It also said these politicians have been “actively promoting the anti-Russia agenda”.
Russia’s ban on Australian politicians
The list names 235 current and former Victorian and South Australian MPs.
Victorian politicians include Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Treasurer Tim Pallas, Opposition Leader John Pesutto, and former Premier Dan Andrews.
South Australian politicians on the list include Deputy Premier Susan Close, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan and Opposition Leader David Speirs.
Russia said it will continue updating the list if the Australian Government does not “renounce its anti-Russia position”.
Sanctions
The Australian Government has been imposing sanctions against Russia, including powerful citizens, since its 2014 annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea. Australia placed more sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Sanctions include trade restrictions, asset freezes for both individuals and companies, and travel bans for some Russian individuals.
The most recent sanctions on a Russian individual were laid in February, in response to the Medibank cyber attack.
