A famous 198-year-old Russian oak tree was been banned from entering the European Tree of the Year competition due to the ongoing invasion in Ukraine.
Planted by novelist Ivan Turgenev, the tree has been disqualified by a panel in Brussels, with a statement citing the "unprecedented aggression against a neighbouring country".
The judges felt they "cannot stand idly by" amid Vladimir Putin's onslaught and so - like others boycotting Russian products and ties - they took swift action.
