EU complains that Russian entry ban for some 90 European politicians is 'arbitrary'

MOSCOW – The European Union is protesting a Russian list banning entry for nearly 90 European politicians.

In a Saturday statement, the bloc said several politicians had been denied entry to Russia in recent months on the grounds that they were on a confidential "stop-list." The statement said the 89 names on the list have now been shared with EU officials, but "we consider this measure as totally arbitrary and unjustified."

Phone calls to the Russian Foreign Ministry seeking a comment went unanswered.

The respected newspaper Kommersant said the list includes European figures with top positions in the military and intelligence spheres.

The entry ban comes amid increased tensions between the West and Russia over its alleged support of separatists fighting the government in eastern Ukraine.