‘Brexit Britain no poodle of Russia’ Rejoiner claims brilliantly shut down

Contrary to past claims that post-Brexit Britain would cozy up to Russia, recent actions by the UK government suggest otherwise. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has taken a firm line against Moscow, joining other global leaders in responding strongly to Russia's aggression.

As international pressure grows to further isolate Russia—including potential expulsion from the SWIFT banking system—Johnson has publicly urged NATO allies to take decisive action. In a tweet, he stated, “This afternoon I urged NATO leaders to take immediate action against SWIFT to inflict maximum pain on President Putin and his regime.”

Johnson also announced new sanctions targeting top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These measures are part of a broader package designed to weaken Russia’s military and industrial infrastructure.

One of the most immediate steps taken by the UK includes freezing the assets of major Russian banks, starting with VTB Bank—Russia’s second-largest financial institution. These banks will also be blocked from accessing UK-based financial systems, including the use of sterling for transactions.

Since a large share of Russian trade relies on the dollar and sterling, these restrictions are expected to have a serious economic impact. Furthermore, the UK government has moved to target Russia’s wealthy elite residing in Britain, many of whom hold significant assets in London.

Five individuals closely linked to the Kremlin have been named in this latest sanctions list:

• Denis Bortnikov (VTB Bank),
• Kirill Shamalov (Putin’s former son-in-law),
• Petr Fradkov (Promsvyazbank),
• Elena Georgieva (Novikombank), and
• Yury Slyusar (United Aircraft Corporation).

A diplomatic official summarized the strategy: “These individuals live lavish lives in the West—shopping in Harrods, staying in luxury hotels, and sending their children to elite schools. That ends now. They are no longer welcome.”

New financial laws will soon cap the amount of money Russian citizens can hold in UK banks, although details on the limit or its application to dual citizens remain unclear.

The sanctions aren’t just economic—they’re symbolic too. The UK has banned Russian airline Aeroflot from operating in Britain, prompting Russia to bar British Airways in return.

Russia is also feeling the fallout in sports and entertainment. UEFA stripped St. Petersburg of the Champions League final, Formula 1 pulled the Russian Grand Prix from Sochi, and Manchester United ended its sponsorship deal with Aeroflot. Even the Eurovision Song Contest has banned Russian participation.

All of this paints a very different picture than the one critics painted during the Brexit debate. Far from being a “poodle of Russia,” the UK appears committed to standing firmly against the Kremlin’s aggression—economically, diplomatically, and culturally.