Here's Who Was Left Off Vladimir Putin's Ban On Americans Entering Russia
There is no denying that tensions between Russia and the United States are high. While the countries have been dueling for decades, Russia's largely unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has resulted in escalated stress and international strain, as per Vox.
Amid the ongoing war, the United States has tried to keep Vladimir Putin and Russia at large in check, all while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict. There have not only been financial sanctions issued against Russia, but President Joe Biden has approved a litany of aid to assist Ukrainian forces, including weapons, medical supplies, tactical gear, and more. In fact, as of publication, the Department of Defense has handed down approximately $3.4 billion since September 2021, proving that the United States is firmly on Ukraine's side. The U.S. government even offered to evacuate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the capital of Kyiv, but he denied the effort, saying, "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride," as reported by AP News.
As the conflict rages on, many are worried that the violence will not end until Putin is no longer in power (via TIME). However, the controversial leader is not backing down, and has recently issued his own ban on a long list of American citizens, but one person — poignantly — was missing from this list.
Putin left Donald Trump off of his banned list
As a response to the tensions between Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and his government has presented an updated list of Americans who are not allowed to enter the country, a "largely symbolic move" as categorized by The Washington Post. The long list includes almost 1,000 American citizens, ranging from government officials — including both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — to harmless celebrities like Morgan Freeman!
Amid the list's release and subsequent update, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read, "In the context of response to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national 'stop list,' the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation."
The list doesn't hold much weight according to experts, but who is and isn't on the list is interesting (via CNBC). The likes of Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, and even some government officials who are no longer alive are barred from entering the country.
One prominent American was absent from the banned list, however, and that is former president Donald Trump. His vice president, Mike Pence, is also free to come and go from Russia. It's not a huge surprise that Trump and Pence are not on the list, as Trump not only praised Putin during his time in the White House, but was impeached due to a quid pro quo conversation with Ukraine, denying military aid after he asked the country to investigate then-candidate Biden. With concerns that Russia meddled in the election and helped Trump politically, allowing him to come and go from the country has people wondering just what type of relationship they share.