The government has marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with new measures that could block cronies of Vladimir Putin from entering the UK.

Updates to the UK’s criteria for exclusion will mean people with close links to the Kremlin can be stopped at the border.

Those who could be affected include people who ‘who owe their significant status or wealth to the Russian state’, as well as those who provide ‘significant support’ and enjoy ‘access to the highest levels’ of the Kremlin.

The details of the move will be outlined by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper later today.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: ‘The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.’

Today marks three years since Putin ordered his army to invade Ukraine, beginning the deadliest war in Europe since World War II.

Analysis by BBC News found that more than 95,000 soldiers have died on the Russian side – though the figure is likely significantly higher – and the Ukrainian military death toll is likely around 70,000.

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have also been killed by Putin’s troops or in strikes on cities and towns.

The total package of military, economic and humanitarian support provided by the UK since the full-scale invasion took place in 2022 adds up to £12.8 billion, according to government figures.

A Home Office spokesperson said the latest move was made as ‘Kremlin-linked elites can pose a real and present danger to our way of life’.

They added: ‘They denounce our values in public while enjoying the benefits of the UK in private – benefits which they look to deprive Ukraine of through their support of Russia’s war.’

It is unclear if the new criteria will also apply to people with similar links to other unfriendly regimes around the world.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: ‘I am proud of the UK’s leadership and unity on Ukraine.

‘Keeping the Ukrainians in their fight and as strong as possible at any negotiating table is critical not only for them, but for the security of the UK.

‘These new measures send a powerful message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on Putin’s aggression.’

However, the move comes as a conclusion to the war in Ukraine appears closer that at any point in the past three years – though not necessarily on terms that much of Europe would prefer.

US President Donald Trump has initiated talks with Russia on bringing the conflict to an end, without demanding any concessions from them in return.

Ukraine itself has largely been sidelined in the negotiations, and the US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth effectively binned the notion of Kyiv regaining control of its previous territory before the talks began.

Amid concerns over his approach to dealing with Russia, Trump stunned European leaders by attacking Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and describing him as a ‘dictator without elections’.

Later this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Washington DC for a meeting with President Trump where he is expected to present a proposition for how the UK can play a role in a peace deal.

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