Russia bans 89 EU politicians, military leaders

The Hague

Russia has imposed an entry ban on 89 European politicians and military leaders, in a move that has angered Europe and worsened the country’s standoff with the west over the Ukraine conflict.

The list, which includes former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and former defence secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, was reportedly compiled by the Russian foreign ministry and handed to a EU delegation in Moscow this week.

It is a sign of Russia’s deteriorating relations with the west after more than 6,200 people have been killed in fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists.

Russia continues to dismiss accusations from Ukraine, Nato and western powers that it is supporting the separatists with arms and its own troops.

Since Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, the EU has imposed economic sanctions, visa bans and asset freezes on scores of Russian and Ukrainian citizens and organisations.

A spokeswoman for the EU diplomatic service in Brussels said that Russia had barred several European politicians from entry in recent months, but had so far refused to provide a list of those targeted.

“We take note that the Russian authorities have decided to share the list. We don’t have any other information on legal basis, criteria and process,” she said in an email statement.