Expulsion of British Diplomats Accused of Spying in Russia

Background

The expulsion of 6 British diplomats accused of spying in Russia made the headlines in the federation on Friday (Sep. 13).

Russia stripped the employees of the British diplomatic mission of their accreditation.

Russia’s Justification

The FSB, Russia’s main security agency, said it received documents indicating the six individuals were sent to Russia by a division of the U.K.’s Foreign Office “whose main task is to inflict a strategic defeat on” the country.

Foreign Ministry Response

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement that the embassy personnel were carrying out “subversive actions aimed at causing harm to our people.”

UK Response

The U.K. calls the move “completely baseless” arguing it came last month and was linked to its action in May to revoke the credentials of an attaché at the Russian Embassy in London. At the time, the UK also decided to limit Moscow’s diplomatic activities in its capital.

Escalating Tensions

Tensions unfold as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Washington for talks that will include Ukraine’s request to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons would put NATO at war with Moscow.

Conclusion

The recent expulsion of British diplomats accused of spying in Russia has heightened tensions between the two nations. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of subversive actions.

FAQs

Q: Why were the British diplomats expelled?

A: Russia accused the diplomats of carrying out subversive actions aimed at causing harm to the Russian people.

Q: What was the response from the UK?

A: The UK called the move “completely baseless” and linked it to its earlier decision to revoke the credentials of a Russian attaché in London.

Q: What is the current state of relations between the UK and Russia?

A: Relations between the two nations are strained, with both sides accusing each other of espionage and subversive actions.