I guess those German business groups lobbying for a Russian return to G7 may have to wait a bit longer
The European Union has responded with anger to Russia's entry ban on 89 European politicians and military leaders, including former UK deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and former UK defence secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.
Says an EU spokesman this week-end
"The list with 89 names has now been shared by the Russian authorities. We don't have any other information on legal basis, criteria and process of this decision," "We consider this measure as totally arbitrary and unjustified, especially in the absence of any further clarification."
A Russian foreign ministry official said the ban was a result of EU sanctions against Russia. The unnamed official told Tass
"An answer to some European countries demanding to explain why these names have been put on the lists of persons banned from entering Russia is quite simple - this was done as a response to a sanctions campaign unleashed against Russia by some Germany-led countries of the European Union,"
The UK foreign office said Russia's action would not cause the EU to change its position on sanctions.
"The way for Russia to get the sanctions lifted is to remove its troops from Ukraine and comply with its obligations under the Minsk agreements," a spokesperson said. "The EU and member states are urgently seeking more transparency from the Russian authorities for this move."
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, said on Friday the Netherlands would not abide by the ban as it was "not based on international law, was not transparent and could not be challenged in a court of law".
The German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said the list would hamper peace efforts.
"At a time in which we are trying to defuse a persistent and dangerous conflict, this does not contribute towards that"
No cooling down in the stand-off any time soon it would appear
The Guardian carries more here