Russia imposes sanctions on British politicians and journalists.
Russia has banned 54 British citizens and individuals associated with UK organizations from entering its borders as a response to UK sanctions on Russian citizens, as stated by its foreign ministry.
Among those affected are Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan. The list also encompasses several journalists from the BBC, the Daily Telegraph, and the Guardian.
The BBC affirmed its commitment to delivering impartial and unbiased reporting despite the situation. The Russian foreign ministry attributed this action to the UK’s “aggressive implementation of an anti-Russian stance.”
Lucy Frazer was sanctioned for advocating for the isolation of Russia in international sports, while Minister of State for Defence Annabel Goldie was linked to weapons supply to Ukraine.
In March, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of illegally deporting children from Ukraine. Russia denies these allegations.
BBC journalists affected include CEO Deborah Turness, presenter and analysis editor Ros Atkins, and disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring.
The Russian foreign ministry expressed intentions to expand its list of banned individuals. Russia had previously barred British journalists, defense figures, and numerous elected British Members of Parliament.
In June last year, the BBC’s Clive Myrie and Orla Guerin were among the journalists who reported from Ukraine being banned. BBC director general Tim Davie was also on the list.
The UK is among Western countries to have sanctioned Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These include a ban on the import of goods from Russia such as diamonds, oil, and gas.
Earlier this month, the British government announced what it described as the “largest ever UK action” targeting Russia’s access to foreign military supplies.
More than 1,000 Russian businesses and individuals have been sanctioned by the US, EU, UK, and other countries.
