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President Putin had been warned that any military action in Ukraine would trigger sanctions - and when he recognised the breakaway republics and gave the order to send in what Moscow calls 'peacekeeping troops', the reaction was swift. One of the most significant responses came from Germany, which halted approval of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the US banned American people and companies from conducting any trade or investment in the rebel-held regions. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a package which targets five Russian banks, freezing their assets, but there are calls for the UK to go further. London has earned the nickname "Londongrad" as the preferred destination for wealthy Russians. Writer and broadcaster Misha Glenny, author of McMafia, says that in terms of impact, the German and US responses are the most significant. He goes on to describe the extent of Russian influence in London, and says the capital is a major hub of Russian money. He says it's hard to know exactly how much money and investments are tied up in companies and property in the country as successive governments have blocked attempts to make dealings more transparent, but that wealthy Russians have "embedded themselves into the British system." "London is a popular place not just for Russian organised crime and politicians, but organised crime and politicians from all over the world." Photo: London has earned the nickname "Londongrad" as the preferred destination for wealthy Russians. Credit: Getty Images