Russia Bans 81 EU Media Outlets in Retaliation for EU Sanctions

The Kremlin's move follows the European Union's ban on four Russian media outlets for spreading propaganda about the Ukraine conflict.

Blocked outlets include major news agencies like AFP, ORF, and Politico.
Russia accuses these outlets of disseminating false information about its military actions in Ukraine.
The EU had previously banned Russian outlets such as Voice of Europe and RIA Novosti.
Russia indicates it may lift its ban if the EU rescinds its restrictions on Russian media.
The decision coincides with the espionage trial of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia.