Russia gives ‘Badge of Honor’ to 287 UK parliamentarians

Russia’s foreign ministry imposed sanctions Wednesday on 287 members of the British parliament, accusing them of “demonizing” Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.

The list includes members of both major parties and some former lawmakers, banning them from entering Russia. The ministry statement cited “hostile rhetoric and far-fetched accusations coming from the mouths of British parliamentarians … aimed at demonizing our country.” It accused the lawmakers of promoting Russia’s international isolation and undermining “the foundation of bilateral cooperation.”

 Prime Minister Boris Johnson was unmoved by Russia’s rhetoric.

 “All those 287 should regard it as a badge of honor,” Johnson told parliament.

Dozens of Americans have been sanctioned in recent weeks, from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to Meta (formerly Facebook) CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton posted a tongue-in-cheek response on Twitter last month: “I want to thank the Russian Academy for this Lifetime Achievement Award.”