Russia blacklists 287 UK lawmakers in retaliation for Ukraine sanctions

The Russian foreign ministry has announced sanctions against 287 British lawmakers in response to the UK sanctioning 368 members of Russia’s lower house of parliament.

The ministry on Wednesday released a list of both government and opposition lawmakers, and a few former lawmakers. They are now barred from entering Russia because they “took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London (and) contribute to the groundless ramping-up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK.”

The ministry’s statement said that “hostile rhetoric and far-fetched accusations coming from the mouths of British parliamentarians not only condone the hostile course of London aimed at demonizing our country and (at) its international isolation, but are also used by opponents of mutually respectful dialogue with Russia to undermine the foundation of bilateral cooperation.”

Responding to the announcement, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “those 287 should regard it as a badge of honor.”