Russia bans 30 British nationals in retaliation to hostile actions

Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper are among the ministers banned from entering Russia

Russia has imposed a ban on 30 British citizens, including senior political figures, military officials, and representatives from high-tech companies and media outlets, citing “hostile actions” by the United Kingdom. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the sanctions on Tuesday, stating that the measures are a direct response to British actions that Moscow deems aggressive.

Among those affected are British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The Russian Ministry further indicated that the sanction list could expand in the near future as a continued response to what it calls the “hostile actions” of the British authorities.

This move follows earlier tensions between the two countries. On the same day, Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador to Moscow to lodge a formal protest after the expulsion of a British diplomat, Wilkes Edward Prior, over espionage charges. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Prior of submitting false documentation and engaging in espionage and sabotage activities. Prior was ordered to leave Russia within two days.

Russia has been vocal in its criticisms of the UK, accusing London of promoting “aggressive anti-Russian rhetoric,” imposing “illegitimate unilateral sanctions,” and supporting the Ukrainian government, which Moscow labels as a “neo-Nazi regime.”

The UK government swiftly condemned Russia’s actions, dismissing the accusations as “malicious and baseless.” A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated, “This is not the first time that Russia has made malicious and baseless accusations against our staff. We will respond in due course.”

The diplomatic row between the two nations continues to intensify as both sides exchange retaliatory measures, signaling further deterioration in relations.

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