(News-websites) - Many Russian models and influencers are cutting up their Chanel handbags in protest over what they call 'Russiaphobia', after the brand slapped a sales ban on those who could take their products back to Russia.

"Bye bye", said one model to her 9.3 million Instagram followers, in a clip which showed her standing on a balcony, Chanel bag and scissors in hand.

"I have to say if Chanel house does not respect the clients, why do we have to respect Chanel house?" she said in English, before hacking up the handbag with the scissors and then tossing it away. In a caption on the video, the influencer wrote she had "never seen any brand acting so disrespectful towards its clients".

Currently, European Union sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine prohibit the the sale of luxury goods priced higher than €300 to those in Russia.

The sanctions also prohibit the sale of luxury items to people who intend to take them to Russia or use them in Russia.

Entry-level Chanel handbags cost around € 2,300.