Scotland vows to take ‘strongest possible action’ against Russia

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON (AA) - The Scottish government on Saturday vowed to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin and his regime following Moscow’s announcement of a travel ban against British politicians.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her government’s determination to take the “strongest possible action” in holding Putin’s regime to account for its war on Ukraine and the crimes committed against the Ukrainian people.

“Putin is a war criminal and I will not shy away from condemning him and his regime. Scotland is determined to take the strongest possible action to isolate and penalize his regime, and do everything possible to support the people of Ukraine,” Sturgeon said in an interview with Sky News.

“We must make sure that those on the side of freedom and democracy work together to ensure Putin’s regime, and his network of oligarchs, are as isolated as possible,” she added.

Sturgeon called for increased international condemnation, not in the form of words and statements but in the form of support for the people of Ukraine, and to ensure that the Kremlin does not repeat similar actions in the future.

On Saturday, the Russian government announced a travel ban against 14 British politicians in retaliation against sanctions imposed on Moscow by Downing Street.

Among the sanctioned politicians are Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, and the Scottish first minister herself.

“It falls to every leader to choose a side in this unprovoked aggression. I am clear that I stand with Ukraine and against Putin. And Scotland is clear – we all stand with Ukraine.”