Ukraine bans films featuring blacklisted Russian actors, including Gerard Depardieu

MOSCOW – Ukraine says it has banned the screening of films featuring Russian actors included on a blacklist.

It said this weekend the 14 Russian actors, singers and other cultural figures on the blacklist pose a threat to national security.

Among those on the list is French-born actor Gerard Depardieu, who became a vocal supporter of Russia after taking citizenship in 2013 and last month was barred from entering Ukraine for five years.

The list also includes singer Iosif Kobzon, who is among those targeted by European Union sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine. Kobzon performed for the rebel leaders last year.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the ban would also prohibit appearances on television and radio by the blacklisted individuals.