The Russian Government has announced sanctions against 15 members of the UK Parliament, including four Scottish MPs, in response to what it described as "hostile statements and unfounded accusations" made against Russia. The move was officially announced by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Among those sanctioned from Scotland are Labour’s Blair McDougall and Johanna Baxter, the Scottish National Party’s Stephen Gethins, and the Liberal Democrats’ Alistair Carmichael. All four MPs have been outspoken critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin and have expressed strong support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion.
Blair McDougall, the East Renfrewshire MP, commented on the sanctions, stating: "Am told I have just been sanctioned by Vladimir Putin for my support for Ukraine and my 'outright rudeness.' Proud to be targeted by this thuggish, criminal regime." Similarly, Stephen Gethins, representing Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, said: "No one should be under any illusion about Putin’s murderous regime, his democratic and independent neighbours certainly aren’t. I’ll take it as a source of pride to have been sanctioned by Putin’s Russia."
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the sanctions, citing "London's ongoing confrontational course," efforts to "demonize" Russia, and accusations of fabricating anti-Russian narratives intended to diminish Moscow’s influence internationally. The statement also referred to the UK’s continued support for Ukraine, described by Russia as "pumping weapons into the neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv."
The statement further criticised what it termed the "comprehensive nature" of British anti-Russian sanctions and the alleged "hysterical statements" made by UK officials involving "threats... interspersed with lies and outright rudeness" towards Russia. It accused British foreign policy of fostering Russophobia and of attempting to inflict maximum damage on Russian national interests.
Moreover, the Russian government condemned public calls within the UK Parliament to seize "immobilised" Russian assets held in Western jurisdictions. According to the statement, these "hostile statements and unfounded accusations" not only reflect the confrontational stance of the UK government but also hinder potential mutual dialogue and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
This development represents the latest diplomatic escalation in the ongoing tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom stemming from the war in Ukraine. The sanctions legally prohibit the named MPs and peers from entering Russia, signifying a further hardening of relations between Moscow and Westminster.
Source: Noah Wire Services