FARNBOROUGH , England, July 14 (UPI) -- Russian delegates to the Farnborough, England, International Airshow were advised Monday to "return home" by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
The air show, at which aviation companies show their newest models to governments seen as prospective buyers, began Monday. Russia typically sends large delegations to the show and others like it.
Russian government representatives were denied invitations to this year's event as retaliation for Russia's actions in Ukraine, the British Foreign Office said, although it noted it had no part in determining who was invited to the show, a commercial event.
"I recommend our delegation to wind up its participation in the show and return home," Rogozin said on social media.
About 70 Russian companies have mounted exhibits at the Farnborough show, many of which are not involved in military equipment development. Although top Russian officials had difficulty obtaining visas to travel to England, Russia has made it clear it expects exports in aerospace and defense to be a large part of its economy.
Sergei Kornev, head of sales of Rosoboronexport, Russia's arms export department, claimed sales would not be reduced by its lack of presence at the show, although Russia generally uses the show to increase foreign sales.
