Denied Entry

The United States has refused to issue visas to Russian journalists meant to join Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his trip to New York for the United Nations Security Council meeting.

Prior to Lavrov's flight to the US, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, released a statement from the foreign minister. By denying visas to the Russian journalists, Lavrov asserted, the Americans "chickened out, made a stupid decision, and showed the true worth of [the country's] oaths to protect freedom of speech."

Lavrov pointedly addressed the employees of the state-owned media companies whose journalists were rejected by US authorities (including RT and Izvestia): "Most importantly, be sure: we will not forget, we will not forgive."

RIA reported that a Russian diplomatic source said "similar" treatment will be given to US journalists, and that there should be "no doubt that American journalists will experience discomfort and inconvenience."

Perhaps like American journalist Evan Gershkowitz, who cannot leave Russia, as he is being held in a Russian detention center on trumped-up charges of espionage.

Meanwhile, it wasn't just journalists who were barred from entering the US — visas were also not issued to other members of the Russian delegation.