Russia has added 21 British parliamentarians to its list of banned individuals, citing their “hostile statements and unfounded accusations” against Moscow.
The banned lawmakers include six members of the House of Lords and 15 members of Parliament from various parties, such as the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party, and Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party.
The travel ban reflects the deteriorating relations between Russia and the United Kingdom, with Russia accusing the UK of “demonizing” its country and fabricating anti-Russian narratives.
Some of the banned lawmakers have responded defiantly, with Labour MP Blair McDougall stating that being targeted by Russia is a compliment, and Liberal Democrat defense spokesperson Helen Maguire saying she would wear the sanction as a badge of honor.
Meanwhile, a planned meeting Wednesday, between top US, British, French and Ukraine diplomats to push forward a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was scrapped at the last minute.
US vice president, JD Vance later said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.