In a move to safeguard national security, the UK government has announced new measures to exclude Kremlin-linked elites from entering the country.
Unveiled by the Home Secretary today, the expanded criteria for exclusion aim to prevent those with significant ties to the Russian state from accessing the UK. This bold action underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the acute national security threat posed by Russia.
The new measures target individuals who:
- Provide significant support to the Russian state.
- Owe their wealth or status to their connections with the Russian state.
- Have privileged access to the upper echelons of the Russian government.
These elites, often beneficiaries of the Russian regime, are seen as enablers of Moscow’s aggressive actions, including its ongoing war in Ukraine. By barring their entry, the UK aims to disrupt the networks that support Russian state aggression and undermine UK national security.
A key concern is that Kremlin-linked elites publicly denounce Western values while privately enjoying the benefits of living and investing in the UK. These privileges stand in stark contrast to the suffering experienced by Ukrainians due to Russia’s military actions. The UK government views this dichotomy as a threat to national security and an affront to British values.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Border security is national security, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to protect our country against the threat from Russia.” He sent a clear message to Putin’s allies: “You are not welcome in the UK.”
Reinforcing National Security
The new exclusion measures are part of the UK’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at enhancing national security by blocking physical access to those who undermine it. These actions complement the existing sanctions regime against Russian elites supporting Putin’s war effort, which will continue as long as Russia poses a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The UK’s sanctions program has been extensive, targeting individuals and entities linked to the Russian state. By freezing assets and restricting travel, these sanctions aim to hinder the financial networks that fund Russian state activities, including espionage and military aggression.
The exclusion measures are bolstered by the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) ongoing efforts to combat Russian illicit finance. Under Operation Destabilise, the NCA has successfully disrupted two major Russian money laundering networks that provided financial services to oligarchs and funded Russian state espionage. This operation led to 84 arrests and the seizure of over £20 million in illicit funds.
Since the initial disruption, an additional £1 million in cash has been seized, and six more arrests have been made. These actions highlight the UK’s commitment to dismantling criminal financial networks that threaten national security.
The UK’s firm stance against Kremlin-linked elites is aligned with its strategic partnership with Ukraine. In January, the UK and Ukraine signed the 100 Year Partnership, pledging to work together to counter the malign influence of Russian state-linked elites. This partnership reinforces the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Unwavering Support for Ukraine
The exclusion measures come as the UK continues to provide substantial military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UK’s support has totaled £12.8 billion, with an ongoing commitment of £3 billion annually for military assistance.
Earlier this month, Defence Secretary John Healey MP led the 50-nation Ukraine Defence Contact Group and announced an additional £150 million in military support, including drones, tanks, and air defence systems. Healey emphasised the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s strength in the conflict, stating, “Our support for them is unshakeable… These new measures send a powerful message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on Putin’s aggression.”
