Russia has banned dozens of British journalists, media representatives and defence figures from entering the country, its Foreign Ministry confirmed.
In a move that Moscow said was a response to Western sanctions and the "spreading of false information about Russia ", 29 journalists and members of British media organisations such as the BBC, the broadcaster Sky News and the Guardian and Times newspapers were personally banned.
Another 20 British figures who Moscow said were linked to the defence industry were also banned from entering Russia.
