Russia imposed sanctions in response to the actions of the UK

Kremlin relations

Russia has imposed new sanctions against some residents of the UK, banning them from entering the country. These measures were taken because of the “unfriendly actions of the British authorities”.  

“Unfriendly actions”

On December 20, 2020 and in April 2021, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions against the speaker of Chechnya, Magomed Daurov, the deputy head of the Chechen Interior Ministry, Apti Alaudinov, and the former head of the police of the Chechen city of Argun, Ayub Kataev. This happened in connection with the persecution of representatives of the LGBT community in Chechnya and the violation of their rights, as well as because of the Sergei Magnitsky case, in which 14 more Russian citizens were later sanctioned. This was reported by London. At the same time, the United States imposed sanctions for the same reasons.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the British sanctions “unjustified attacks” and also accused the UK of putting pressure on the Russian justice system and interfering in the internal affairs of the country. 

Russia’s response

“In response to the unfriendly actions of the British authorities and on the basis of the principle of reciprocity, the Russian side decided to impose personal sanctions against a proportionate number of British representatives who are closely involved in anti-Russian activities. They are barred from entering the territory of the Russian Federation,” — Russian Foreign Ministry said. 

The sanctions were imposed in accordance with the Federal Law “On the Procedure for Leaving the Russian Federation and Entering the Russian Federation”. This was also reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry. But the names of those who have fallen under Russian sanctions have not yet been disclosed. It is known fact that these people will be banned from entering the territory of Russia. 

How did London react?

In a comment to RIA Novosti, the British diplomat spoke about London’s reaction to Russia’s sanctions. He called these actions “unjustified”. The diplomat also said that the sanctions of the Russian Federation contrast with the sanctions of the United Kingdom, because the British imposed restrictions in favor of protecting human rights and anti-corruption activities. And Russia’s sanctions are “an unjustified step that causes regret”.