Russia Expels Six British Diplomats Accused of Spying Amid Rising Tensions
Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of espionage, in the latest escalation of diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The move comes as the Russian FSB security service announced that the foreign ministry had terminated the accreditation of six employees from the British Embassy’s political department.
The FSB claimed the diplomats were involved in “subversive actions aimed at causing harm” to Russia, with state media reporting that they had met with independent media and human rights groups that the Russian government has labeled as "foreign agents."
The expulsions are said to be a response to “numerous unfriendly steps” taken by London, and the Kremlin accused the diplomats of violating the Vienna Conventions, which outline diplomatic conduct. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed the FSB's statement, saying, “We fully agree with the assessments of the British so-called diplomats’ activities expressed by the Russian FSB."
Russian state TV confirmed that the diplomats will be expelled from the country. This marks the latest chapter in a series of tit-for-tat actions between the UK and Russia. Earlier this year, the UK expelled a Russian defense attaché in London, accusing him of spying. In retaliation, Moscow expelled a Royal Naval officer stationed at the British Embassy in Moscow. The UK has also taken measures against Russian diplomatic properties, revoking the diplomatic status of two Russian-owned properties believed to have been used for intelligence purposes.
The diplomatic rift comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets with US President Joe Biden in Washington to discuss further support for Ukraine. Both the US and UK announced significant financial aid packages for Ukraine this week, with the UK pledging £600 million and the US committing $717 million (£550 million) to support humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, warned that allowing Ukraine to launch long-range strikes using Western-supplied weaponry would effectively put NATO, the US, and European countries “at war with Russia.” In response, Sir Keir reiterated Ukraine’s right to self-defense but emphasized that “we don’t seek any conflict with Russia.”
As tensions between Russia and the West continue to grow, the expulsion of British diplomats further strains diplomatic relations, complicating efforts to navigate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.