Russia imposes sanctions on UK lawmakers In response to London’s “confrontational course”

Russia's Foreign Ministry has announced personal sanctions against members of the British Parliament, citing what it described as the UK’s "continued confrontational course" towards Moscow.

Thus, the sanctions list includes 21 British nationals, among them members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry accused UK lawmakers of making hostile remarks and unfounded allegations against Russia. It specifically pointed to public calls by British parliamentarians for the seizure of frozen Russian assets held in Western jurisdictions.

"Such rhetoric not only encourages London’s hostile approach but is also used by those opposing a respectful dialogue with Russia to undermine the foundations of bilateral cooperation," the ministry said.

Note that, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly imposed personal sanctions on British politicians, journalists, and public figures in response to the United Kingdom’s firm support for Ukraine and its sanctions on Russian entities. The series of retaliatory moves, spanning from 2022 to 2024, reflects the ongoing deterioration of UK-Russia relations.

The first wave of sanctions came in April 2022, when Moscow banned then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and several senior officials from entering Russia. The Russian government cited the UK’s “unprecedented hostile actions” and military support for Ukraine as the reason for the move.

In August 2022, Moscow expanded its blacklist by adding 39 more British nationals, including politicians and journalists. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused them of promoting “Russophobia” and spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine.

A more sweeping measure followed in April 2023, when Russia sanctioned 287 Members of the British Parliament. This mass designation was framed as a direct response to the UK's sanctions on Russian lawmakers. The Kremlin accused the British MPs of fuelling “Russophobic hysteria” and supporting anti-Russian policies.

Further sanctions came in August 2023, targeting another 54 individuals, including Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan. Russia denounced the UK's “aggressive anti-Russian course,” citing continued arms deliveries to Ukraine and support for international investigations into alleged Russian war crimes.

Most recently, in June 2024, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued another list of UK-based politicians, journalists, and analysts subject to entry bans. The ministry justified the decision by condemning what it called the UK’s “provocative anti-Russian rhetoric” and deepening military cooperation with Kyiv.

By Aghakazim Guliyev