Russia Bans 21 UK Lawmakers Amid Escalating Tensions

Russia has barred 21 UK lawmakers from entering the country, citing London’s “anti-Russian” stance as the reason behind the move.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the decision, which reflects Moscow’s growing frustration with the UK’s continued criticism and sanctions of Russia’s foreign and military policies.

According to the ministry’s statement, the ban is a direct response to what Russia calls the UK’s “confrontational policies,” including its support for Ukraine and calls to seize Russian assets abroad. 

Moscow accuses London of fueling hostilities by supplying weapons to Ukraine and spreading what it describes as “anti-Russian narratives.” 

The foreign ministry labeled these efforts as an attempt to isolate Russia internationally and damage its sovereignty.

Russia further claimed that “Russophobia” remains a central pillar of British foreign policy. The statement condemned recent public remarks by UK officials and lawmakers, accusing them of promoting rhetoric that undermines potential diplomatic engagement. 

It also warned that additional names could be added to the growing “stop list” if current policies persist.

This latest travel ban is part of a broader tit-for-tat diplomatic rift between Russia and Western countries, particularly the UK, over issues including the war in Ukraine, economic sanctions, and the seizure of Russian state and private assets in Western jurisdictions.

The Kremlin has positioned the move as defensive, asserting that it will continue to respond decisively to actions it perceives as hostile.

The UK government has not yet formally responded to the ban. However, relations between the two nations have deteriorated sharply since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with multiple waves of sanctions and diplomatic expulsions exchanged in the years since. 

Today’s announcement marks yet another chapter in the ongoing political standoff, reinforcing the deep divide between Moscow and Western powers.