A bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children yesterday went to president Vladimir Putin for his signature after winning final approval from parliament in retaliation for a US law meant to punish Russian human rights abusers.

The upper chamber of Russia’s parliament today unanimously voted in favour of a measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children.

Several protesters were arrested today outside the upper chamber of Russia’s parliament as it prepared to vote on a controversial measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children.