Moscow, Nov 27 (IANS) — In a retaliatory move, Russia's Foreign Ministry has imposed entry bans on 30 British nationals, citing "hostile actions" by the UK government. The list includes senior political figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, along with officials from military, high-tech sectors, and media outlets.
This decision comes on the heels of escalating diplomatic tensions. Earlier on Tuesday, Russia summoned the British ambassador to lodge a formal protest and expelled a British diplomat, Wilkes Edward Prior, accusing him of espionage and sabotage activities. According to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Prior must leave the country within 48 hours.
Moscow criticized London for what it described as fostering "aggressive anti-Russian rhetoric, " imposing "illegitimate sanctions, " and supporting Ukraine's government, which Russia labeled as a "neo-Nazi Kyiv regime."
In response, the UK Foreign Office rejected the accusations as "malicious and baseless" and promised to retaliate. "This is not the first time Russia has made such accusations against our staff. We will respond in due course, " a Foreign Office spokesperson said.
Russia has warned that it may expand the sanctions list further in response to ongoing tensions with the British authorities.