Russia bans Boris Johnson from entering country

Moscow announces move that will also bar 10 other UK government members and politicians

British prime minister Boris Johnson with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, during the prime minister's visit to Kyiv the Ukrainian capital. Picture: Ukraine Government/PA Wire

Russia’s foreign ministry has banned Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Ben Wallace and 10 other British government members from entering the country.

The ministry said the decision was made “in view of the unprecedented hostile action by the UK government”.

Dominic Raab, Grant Shapps, Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak, Kwasi Kwarteng, Nadine Dorries, James Heappey, Nicola Sturgeon, Suella Braverman and Theresa May have also been banned.

“London’s unbridled information and political campaign aimed at isolating Russia internationally, creating conditions for containing our country and strangling the domestic economy” were responsible for its decision, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

It added: “In essence, the British leadership is deliberately aggravating the situation around Ukraine, pumping the Kyiv regime with lethal weapons and coordinating similar efforts on the part of Nato.”

In March, Moscow imposed a similar ban against US President Joe Biden.

The news comes a week after the Prime Minister met with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to pledge Britain’s “unwavering support” to the country as they fight against the Russian invasion.

In a statement following the meeting, Johnson said: “Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century.

“It is because of President Zelenskiy’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted.” 

The Prime Minister also set out plan of military assistance to Ukraine, consisting of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, in addition to £100m worth of high-grade military equipment.

Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500m in World Bank lending to Ukraine, alongside the £394m the UK provided in grant aid to ensure the continued running of vital humanitarian services for Ukrainians.