Russia warns citizens of risk of being “trapped” when travelling to the UK

British investigators wear protective gear as they collect evidence into the suspected poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury. Photo: Getty

The Russian Embassy in London issued a statement on March 31 warning of “the growing anti-Russian policy and threats from the UK and the actions of the British government against Russian individuals and legal entities.” The statement was made amid increasingly tense relations between Russia and the UK over the attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury on March 4.

The Russian Embassy has warned its citizens to keep an eye on their luggage when travelling to the UK to avoid the risk of being “trapped” by having strange objects placed in their bags. In addition, the embassy said British authorities may detain Russian citizens on “unbelievable grounds”, confiscate their passports or interrogate and search them.

According to the Russian Embassy, ​​British law enforcement agencies may seize or search personal electronic devices such as computers or mobile phones of Russian nationals. Russian citizens are advised to record any arguments with British authorities and avoid conflicts fueled by anti-Russian sentiments stirred up by British officials.

Earlier, a Russian Aeroflot plane was searched by British border and customs officers at Heathrow Airport in London. The British side did not give a reason for this action, and even asked the entire crew to leave the plane during the search. Moscow called the incident "illegal" and demanded an explanation from London.

For its part, the UK said the search was a “routine” operation carried out to protect the UK from organised crime and those who deliberately bring harmful substances such as drugs or guns into the UK. The search of the plane further aggravated the tension between Russia and the UK as the two countries continue to blame each other for the suspected poisoning of the former spy Skripal and his daughter in the UK.