Politics

This is despite countries neighbouring Ukraine, which include some of the poorest states in Europe, preparing to receive up to five million refugees because of the conflict with Russia.

Maria Zakharova said ‘similar adjectives’ to those used about the Russian leader could be directed at Britain’s PM.

“We have to recognise that the old concepts of fighting big tank battles on European land mass are over and there are other better things we should be investing in," the prime minister said in November 2021, when there were warning signs about Russian troops at Ukraine's border.

"Why won't you give that £2 million back that Putin-linked people gave to your party?", the Labour MP asked.

He also admitted that Russia did influence UK votes.

In a series of tweets early on Friday morning, Ms von der Leyen said the sanctions show ‘how united the EU is’.

Chris Bryant told MPs the Russian oligarch should "no longer be able to own a football club in this country".

While rejecting fears that Putin has already anticipated penalties being imposed by Western countries, Cleverly insisted the West’s sanctions will have “a meaningful impact”.

"These are dark days for Europe," the former Brexit Party leader said.