Russia has announced an expansion of its sanctions list targeting UK nationals, in retaliation against what it describes as London’s ongoing confrontational stance on the war in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that seven new individuals had been added to the blacklist. Those targeted include a Member of Parliament, staff members of the Foreign Office, policy experts from think tanks, and third-country nationals working with British institutions.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry accused the UK of deliberately escalating tensions. It said: “The British have recently resorted to their tried and tested tools of mind manipulation: another round of anti-Russian spy mania, fantasies about an alleged ‘military threat’ hanging over Europe, and pompously announcing economic restrictions, which, however, mainly affect the British economy itself.”
Moscow further claimed that “cynical anti-Russian adventures continue to be regularly financed by London to the detriment of the deteriorating socio-economic and, as a result, domestic political situation in the country.”
The move reflects a continued tit-for-tat approach between Moscow and London, with sanctions and countermeasures becoming a defining feature of relations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
While the UK has consistently strengthened its sanctions regime against Russian officials, businesses, and oligarchs, Russia has responded by targeting British politicians, diplomats, and professionals seen as supporting Kyiv.
This latest step underlines the deepening diplomatic rift, with little sign of relations improving in the near future.
