Russia's foreign ministry has banned 32 New Zealand leaders and officials from entering the country in response to what the embassy has called a Russia-phobic agenda.
The sanctions were issued against defence force leaders, journalists, city councillors, and mayors who have publicly opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Wellington City Council's media manager Richard Maclean thinks he was included because of a tongue-in-cheek comment made to local media, but he's been left in the dark by Russian officials who've made no contact with him.
He spoke to Guyon Espiner.
