398 of the 435 members of the US House of Representatives have been sanctioned by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
The Kremlin’s latest move comes after US President Joe Biden’s remarks describing Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as “genocide” were deemed “inappropriate.”
According to Reuters, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked in a conference call with reporters, “We strongly disagree and consider any attempt to distort the situation in this way unacceptable.”
‘It’s scarcely appropriate for the president of the United States, a country that has perpetrated well-known deeds in recent and modern history,’ he continued.
The penalties announced on Wednesday are a direct response to the Biden administration’s decision to blacklist 328 members of Russia’s Putin-influenced parliament, the Duma.
The 398 members of Congress are all from the House of Representatives, including the chamber’s leadership and committee chairs.
The’stop list’ also includes Republican Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who were among a loud minority in Congress who condemned Ukraine with remarks that sounded remarkably similar to those made by the Kremlin.
The Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of 398 sanctioned MPs on its website, along with a statement that committee chairs and House leadership are included.
Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul and Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr are among those not mentioned on the list as committee chairs or House leadership, though McCaul might face sanctions as the Foreign Affairs committee’s ranking member.
‘All U.S. representatives are ‘listed’ on a reciprocity basis, along with other American legislators who were previously barred from entering Russia (for example, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi),’ according to a statement released by TASS News Agency.
‘Well, there goes my Spring Break plans!’ joked Democrat Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania on Twitter.
‘Oh no!’ says the speaker. On the platform, Colorado Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn wrote, ‘Lol.’ Rep. John Curtis of Utah, a fellow Republican, called it a “honor” to be included on the list.