Russia says the decision not to invite Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries to the Queen's funeral is “profoundly immoral” and “blasphemous”.
World leaders will gather in London on Monday to remember the UK's longest-serving monarch – but Kremlin representatives were left off the invite list amid the ongoing Ukraine invasion.
The Russian despot is not the only global representative to be excluded, with leaders from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Belarus and Myanmar also left out.
The UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in the ongoing war, and has provided financial assistance, aid and weapons to the country since the invasion.
The Sun reports Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling the snub as an "attempt to use the national tragedy for geopolitical purposes".
She said: "We see this British attempt to use the national tragedy, which has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, for geopolitical purposes to settle scores with our country... as deeply immoral.
"This is particularly blasphemous towards Elizabeth II's memory."
Zakharova went on to say that the late monarch did not interfere with politics and so they should not play a part in the invite list.
She also went on to offer Russian condolences to the British people “for the great loss that befell them”.
The UK currently has no diplomatic relations with Syria or Venezuela, while the current political situation in Afghanistan made inviting diplomats untenable.
King Charles will host a dignitaries reception at Buckingham Palace on Sunday, where global leaders will mix with working members of the royal family.
Some of those flying in for the funeral are expected to visit Westminster Hall where the Queen's coffin is lying in state.
Among those attending is Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska.
A source told The Sun: “Olena Zelenska’s presence is yet another sign of the global support for Ukraine while Russia is isolated. Britain is one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies.”
US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the high-profile guests who have confirmed their attendance.
Members of foreign royal families, including Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain and King Philip and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, will attend the state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
However, China's Xi Jinping is sending a deputy rather than attending in person.
