'Not coming here to do good': UK bans Russian 'elites' ahead of Trump-Starmer meeting

In its latest set of sanctions marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the British government has pledged to prohibit Russian oligarchs with connections to the Kremlin from entering the UK.

According to a Politico report, citing UK government, the rules, announced ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s US visit, aim to block “elites” associated with the Kremlin from entering British territory.

This includes individuals considered to have provided “significant support” to President Vladimir Putin’s regime or who have gained “significant status or wealth” through it, as well as those who have “access to the highest levels” of the regime, added the report.

Britain, especially its financial hub in the City of London, has long been criticised for being lenient towards Russian wealth.

However, since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK government has introduced a series of sanctions against Russia.

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Another round of restrictions from the UK’s Foreign Office was scheduled to roll on Monday afternoon.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis on Monday said that the latest action would “not only increase pressure on Russia, its elites, and Putin’s regime, but it will also enhance our own national security, as these are not individuals coming here to do good”, reported Politico, citing Times Radio.

This initiative comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts from Ukraine’s Western allies, as Trump continues with Russian peace talks without direct Ukrainian participation.

Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Sunday evening ahead of a summit to demonstrate their support for Kyiv.

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They agreed to present “united leadership in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression,” with Macron scheduled to meet Trump on Monday.

The pair also said the “UK and Europe must continue stepping up to meet their security needs.”

With inputs from agencies