Moscow bans 287 UK lawmakers from Russia, drawing British sarcasm

Russia accused the UK lawmakers of fuelling "Russophobic hysteria" in Britain, drawing a defiant response from Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Russia on Wednesday banned 287 British members of parliament from entering the country and accused them of fuelling "Russophobic hysteria" in Britain, drawing a defiant response from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine Britain has, alongside allies, imposed far-reaching sanctions against Moscow's wealthy oligarchs and political elites, including President Vladimir Putin.

Russia's foreign ministry said the sanctions on members of the House of Commons were in response to Britain imposing similar restrictions on 386 members of its own lower house of parliament on March 11.

"These persons... took the most active part in the establishment