RUSSIA slapped travel bans on United States Vice-President Kamala Harris, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg and dozens of prominent Americans and Canadians in retaliation for sanctions imposed over Ukraine.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the travel bans on 29 Americans and 61 Canadians – which also include business leaders, defence officials and journalists – will remain in effect indefinitely.

It said the list comprises people responsible for the two countries’ “Russophobic” policies.

One of the officials targeted, US State Department spokesman Ned Price, said the travel ban is “an honour”.

“I have to say it is nothing less than an accolade to have earned the ire of a government that lies to its own people, brutalises its neighbours and seeks to create a world where freedom and liberty are put on the run and, if it had its way, extinguished.”

On whether he has to cancel any travel plan to Russia, Price quipped: “Fortunately, I had no rubles. Even if I did, they would be worthless by now anyway.”

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, also on the list, said it is “a good group to belong to”.

The US has led international efforts to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, causing tumult in its economy.

The US and European Union have personally sanctioned a number of Russians, including President Vladimir Putin, his daughters and oligarchs seen as crucial to the Russian leader’s power.

Other Americans banned by Russia include ABC News television presenter George Stephanopoulos, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius and Russia-focused Meduza news portal editor Kevin Rothrock.

Apart from Kirby, US defence officials include deputy secretary of defence Kathleen Hicks.

The list of Canadians is headed by Cameron Ahmad, who serves as director of communications to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Canadian Special Operations Forces Commander Steve Boivin.

Russia earlier banned Facebook and Instagram, which form part of Zuckerberg’s Meta empire, calling them “extremist” organisations. – AFP, April 22, 2022.