Russia denies US senator entry into the country
The Russian Embassy to the US has published a statement saying that Russia has refused to issue a visa to US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and that the politician had been put on a "blacklist" created in response to anti-Russian sanctions.
"The [Russian] Embassy received a visa application for a Congressional delegation consisting of senators and their staff. Visas were issued to all members of the delegation, with the exception of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who is on a Russian ‘blacklist’ created in response to US sanctions against our country," the statement said.
The Russian Embassy also noted that they offered the United States several options to resolve the situation on a reciprocal basis; in particular, removing some Russians from the sanctions list. However, the US did not agree to do so.
Shaheen was among those senators who actively supported a new draft law on sanctions against Russia that Congress approved by an overwhelming majority this year.
In addition, Senator Shaheen supports measures aimed at combating Russian cyber aggression.
Three senators in total planned a visit to Russia on January 11, until it became known about Shaheen’s visa denial.