BBC's Clive Myrie banned from Russia in latest sanctions

A statement published by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday listed 29 individuals, including Sussex University alumnus Mr Myrie, as well as the heads of The Times, the Guardian and the BBC.

Clive Myrie was among several journalists to report from the ground in Ukraine and from the capital Kyiv during the conflict, which started back in February.

Russia accused the journalists and media representatives of contributing to “fuelling Russophobia in British society” and of “deliberate dissemination of false and one-sided information” about the invasion.

A BBC spokesman said that the broadcaster would “continue to report independently and fairly” despite the sanction.

The news comes as the Russian military confirms it has used long-range missiles to destroy a depot in Ukraine where ammunition for Nato-supplied weapons was being stored.

Fighting has raged for the city of Sievierodonetsk in the eastern Donbas area, a key focus of Russia’s offensive in recent weeks.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with fierce battles in the east seeing Ukrainian forces outgunned and outnumbered.

In a video address, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The losses, unfortunately, are painful but we have to hold out.

“The more losses the enemy suffers there, the less strength it will have to continue the aggression.

“Therefore, the Donbas is key to determining who will dominate in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, Egypt, Israel and the EU have signed a deal to increase liquified natural gas sales to reduce dependence on supply from Russia.

The deal will see Israel send more gas via Egypt which has facilities to liquify it for export via sea.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement was a “special moment” and was part of efforts to diversify energy sources away from Russia amid the continuing war in Ukraine.