Russia has banned dozens of British journalists, media and defense officials from entering the country, the country’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
In a move that Moscow said was a reaction to Western sanctions and the “spreading of false information about Russia,” 29 journalists and members of British press organizations such as the BBC, Sky News, and the Guardian and Times newspapers were specifically banned.
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Another 20 British figures who Moscow says are linked to the defense sector have also been banned from entering Russia.
“British journalists included in the list are involved in the deliberate dissemination of false and biased information about Russia and events in Ukraine and Donbass,” the ministry said in a statement.
“They have also contributed to the growth of Russophobia in British society with their biased assessments.”
The list includes top journalists, presenters, editors and senior executives, including the editorsinchief of The Times, Daily Telegraph, Independent and Guardian.
Moscow has announced retaliatory measures against foreign sanctions against Russian officials and bans on Russian press abroad.
2 of 2 Red Square in Moscow on October 20, 2021 — Photo: Alexander Nemenov/ AFP
Red Square in Moscow on October 20, 2021 — Photo: Alexander Nemenov/ AFP
The Russian government has already banned US and Canadian officials and journalists from entering the country.