The UK government has announced it will revoke accreditation for a Russian diplomat, responding to Moscow’s expulsion of a British diplomat and their spouse earlier this week.
In a strongly worded statement, a government spokesperson condemned Russia’s actions, labelling the accusations against British diplomats as “entirely false” and “fabricated” to justify ongoing harassment.
UK Condemns Russia’s ‘Aggressive Campaign’ Against Diplomats
A Foreign Office spokesperson criticised Russia’s increasingly hostile approach towards UK diplomats over the past year, stating:
“During the past twelve months, Russia has pursued an increasingly aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats, pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work.”
The expulsion of the British diplomat marks yet another escalation in tensions between London and Moscow.
Moscow’s Anger Over UK’s Military Support for Ukraine
The Kremlin has been deeply frustrated by Britain’s ongoing military support for Ukraine. According to Reuters, tensions have intensified following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent comments suggesting that British troops could be deployed as part of a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
UK Summons Russian Ambassador, Warns of ‘Intimidation Tactics’
On Wednesday, Britain summoned the Russian ambassador to make it clear that it would not tolerate the intimidation of British diplomats and their families.
A government spokesperson stated: “It is clear that the Russian state is actively seeking to drive the British embassy in Moscow towards closure and has no regard for the dangerous escalatory impact of this.”
As a direct response, the UK has taken immediate retaliatory action, expelling a Russian diplomat and their spouse in a move that underscores growing diplomatic hostilities between the two nations.
