MOSCOW

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it has blacklisted 32 employees from UK-based think tanks and consulting agencies.

In a statement published on its website, the ministry described the UK's current stance toward Russia as "aggressive" and "anti-Russian," aimed at "defeating" Moscow.

The ministry added that spreading disinformation about Russia is a "key component" of this strategy.

"A number of think tanks, consulting agencies, and similar organizations in the UK play a significant role in London's hostile efforts. Their expert assessments and recommendations, often involving interference in the internal affairs of foreign states, are widely utilized in advancing the anti-Russian agenda of the 'collective West'," the statement said.

According to the ministry, these organizations are actively involved in spreading disinformation to discredit the Russian government and "futilely attempt to create conditions for destabilizing Russia's internal political situation."

The ministry also said these "brain trusts" are engaged in destructive activities in countries friendly to Russia, undermining their stability and well-being, in line with the objectives set by London to politically and economically isolate Moscow on the global stage.

The ministry noted that work on expanding Russia's "stop list" in response to London's "hostile policies" would continue.