Stay up to date with notifications from TheĀ Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nicola Sturgeon among senior British politicians banned from Russia

The First Minister said Scotland stands with Ukraine.

Lucinda Cameron
Saturday 16 April 2022 17:28 BST
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland stands with Ukraine (Robert Perry/PA)
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland stands with Ukraine (Robert Perry/PA) (PA Wire)

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has condemned Vladimir Putin after she was banned from Russia along with other senior British politicians.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace are also among 13 who have been barred from entering the country in response to UK sanctions.

Ms Sturgeon said Scotland stands with Ukraine and will take the ā€œstrongest possible action to isolate and penaliseā€ the Russian president’s regime.

I am clear that I stand with Ukraine and against Putin

Nicola

Russia’s foreign ministry said the move to create the list was due to the ā€œunprecedented hostile actions of the British Government, expressed, in particular, in the imposition of sanctions against top officialsā€.

It added: ā€œThe Russophobic course of action of the British authorities, whose main goal is to stir up negative attitude toward our country, curtailing of bilateral ties in almost all areas, are detrimental to the wellbeing and interests of the residents of Britain.ā€

Ms Sturgeon issued a statement in response, saying: ā€œPutin is a war criminal and I will not shy away from condemning him and his regime.

ā€œScotland is determined to take the strongest possible action to isolate and penalise his regime, and do everything possible to support the people of Ukraine.

ā€œWe must make sure that those on the side of freedom and democracy work together to ensure Putin’s regime, and his network of oligarchs, are as isolated as possible.

ā€œInternational condemnation – not just in words but in actions – against Russia must be as strong as possible.

ā€œIt falls to every leader to choose a side in this unprovoked aggression. I am clear that I stand with Ukraine and against Putin. And Scotland is clear – we all stand with Ukraine.ā€

News of the list came as Russian troops restarted assaults on the Ukrainian capital after a brief reprieve.

A UK Government spokesperson said: ā€œThe UK and our international partners stand united in condemning the Russian government’s reprehensible actions in Ukraine and calling for the Kremlin to stop the war.

ā€œWe remain resolute in our support for Ukraine.ā€

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in