Crossword Genius

PM once ignoring head of Treasury to protect Welsh woman and foreign nationals? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

russians

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'foreign nationals?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'pm once ignoring head of treasury to protect welsh woman' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'welsh woman' could be 'sian' (common Welsh name) and 'sian' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'russ' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for russians that I've seen before include "Putin's people - as in USSR (anag)" , "Muscovites etc -- as in USSR (anag)" , "Moscow natives" , "handlers of Blunt et al" , "Lenin, Stalin, etc" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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