The U.S. has banned Russian journalists from traveling more than 40 km from New York

The United States has issued visas to journalists from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s press pool, subject to strict restrictions on their movement within the country. 

According to the documents, Russian media representatives may stay in the U.S. only from September 22 to 26, 2026, to cover the events of the UN General Assembly. They are permitted to travel only within a 25-mile (about 40 km) radius of Columbus Circle in New York City and to visit the organization’s headquarters. 

The United States has imposed similar territorial restrictions on Russian media representatives in previous years as well.

Russian media outlets have reported on this, publishing photos of U.S. visas with the restrictions.

On September 22, the UN General Assembly began in New York, and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at the first session of the debates. 

Upon his arrival at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine.