Russia expels six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage

Russia has expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage, in a move that escalates already strained relations between the two nations. The decision was made public Friday by Russian state media, although the expulsions occurred weeks ago.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed, without offering evidence, that it had detected “intelligence and subversive” activities by the British diplomats, accusing them of actions that “threatened the security of the Russian Federation.” The FSB’s accusations come amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, with Russia suggesting Britain’s Foreign Office had become focused on delivering a “strategic defeat” to Russia since the invasion.

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Britain quickly dismissed the allegations as “completely baseless.” According to British officials, the diplomats had already left Russia, and the UK government is in the process of replacing them. The expulsions are believed to be part of a broader retaliation for diplomatic actions taken by London in May. At that time, Britain expelled a Russian defense attaché, calling him an “undeclared military intelligence officer.”

The timing of Russia's public announcement coincided with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden. The discussions reportedly involved the potential easing of restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian territory using Western weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging the West to allow more aggressive use of long-range weaponry as Kyiv seeks to push back against Russian advances.

Russia’s move comes as President Vladimir Putin warned NATO leaders that allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russian borders would be considered an act of war. "If NATO countries are at war with Russia, we will respond accordingly," Putin told reporters, signaling the potential for further escalation.

Diplomatic hostilities between the UK and Russia have increased since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both nations have implemented sanctions and diplomatic expulsions. Russia has banned several British lawmakers, officials, and journalists from entering its territory over the past two years in response to the growing international pressure.

[Source: CNN]