UK's Johnson announces sweeping sanctions on Russia

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday a new set of measures against Russia over its military operation in Ukraine, saying the government will exclude all Russian banks from the United Kingdom's financial system as well as deny their access to sterling and clearing payments.

London will impose an asset freeze against all major Russian banks, Johnson told the parliament, adding Russia will be barred from raising sovereign debt on UK markets. Russian Airlines - Aeroflot will be banned from landing in the UK, he added.

Johnson also noted that Russian companies will be unable to raise finance in London, while more than 100 individuals and entities will be directly sanctioned by the British government.

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / ND