The Kremlin has said it is blocking 81 European publications in retaliation for a European Union (EU) ban on some Russian outlets.

Magazines, public broadcasters and newspapers from 25 out of 27 EU member states will become inaccessible inside Russia.

The United States has, however said the Russian government was "afraid of their own people hearing the truth".

European Commission Vice President, VERA JOUROVA said the ban was "nonsense retaliation".