Russia Expels British Diplomat Accused Of Spying
Tensions between the UK and Russia have escalated again after Moscow ordered a British diplomat to leave the country, accusing him of espionage and “subversive” activity.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said the diplomat, who has been identified in state media as a second secretary at the British embassy, had been involved in intelligence work and posed a threat to national security. Officials also claimed that he had given false details when applying to enter the country and tried to gather economic information through informal meetings.
According to the FSB, the diplomat was “carrying out intelligence and subversive activities that threaten the security of the Russian Federation”. The agency also warned Russian citizens to avoid contact with British diplomats, saying: "In order to avoid negative consequences, including criminal liability, the FSB of Russia recommends that compatriots refrain from holding meetings with British diplomats."
The diplomat’s accreditation has been revoked, and he has been told to leave Russia within two weeks. Following the decision, Britain’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, was summoned to the foreign ministry.
The UK has strongly rejected the accusations. A Foreign Office spokesperson described them as “complete nonsense” and accused Moscow of an “aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats”. The spokesperson added: "The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families."
Russian authorities doubled down on their claims in a formal statement, saying: "Russian authorities also received information indicating that this employee belonged to the British intelligence services and identified evidence of his involvement in subversive intelligence work in our country." They also warned that any further escalation from London would be met with a response.
This latest move is part of an ongoing cycle of diplomatic expulsions between the two countries, which has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of spying, often responding with reciprocal actions. Relations have deteriorated to the point where diplomatic work in Moscow is now seen as especially challenging by Western officials. Reports of close surveillance, travel restrictions, and routine pressure on foreign diplomats have become more common.
Russia has portrayed the UK as a key adversary, accusing British intelligence of stepping up operations reminiscent of Cold War-era tactics. Britain, on the other hand, continues to view Russia as a major threat, pointing to cyberattacks and other hostile activities linked to Moscow.
With both sides digging in, the dispute shows little sign of easing anytime soon.
