Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of espionage in a move that further escalates tensions between Moscow and London. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed the diplomat was involved in “reconnaissance and subversive activities” that threatened Russia’s security. They also accused the diplomat of providing false information when applying for entry to Russia, violating Russian law. The diplomat, whose identity was revealed in Russian media, was given two weeks to leave the country.
This expulsion is the latest in a series of diplomatic tensions between the UK and Russia, which have worsened since Ukraine’s use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target deeper into Russian territory. Russia’s foreign ministry summoned the British ambassador in Moscow, further straining relations.
The expelled diplomat was reportedly a replacement for one of six British diplomats expelled by Russia in August over similar espionage accusations, which were denied by the UK at the time. The British Foreign Office has not yet commented on this latest expulsion.
The already fraught relationship between the UK and Russia has been exacerbated by Britain’s approval of Storm Shadow missile use in Ukraine, followed by the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s border with Ukraine. Moscow has responded with military escalations, including launching a ballistic missile at a Ukrainian target. The tit-for-tat expulsions reflect the ongoing diplomatic conflict between the two nations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE