A standoff between the United States and Russia has intensified with both countries announcing travel bans on certain officials. The White House has sent Congress a list of Russians subject to visa denials and asset freezes in the United States for their alleged involvement in the death of imprisoned whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky. Russia responded by banning the entry of a number of U.S. officials, including former Bush administration attorney John Yoo and David Addington, chief of staff to former Vice President Dick Cheney. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defended the administration’s action.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: “Russian officials implicated directly in Magnitsky’s imprisonment and prison officials directly involved in decisions that led to his death remain unpunished. This administration is committed to working with the Congress to advance universally recognized human rights worldwide, and we will use the tools in the Magnitsky Act and other available legal authorities to ensure that persons responsible for the maltreatment and death of Mr. Magnitsky are barred from traveling to the United States and doing business here.”