Downing Street strongly criticized the Kremlin for expelling a British diplomat over alleged spying activities. The Russian security service, FSB, claimed that the diplomat provided false information about himself and tried to gather intelligence on the Russian economy. Consequently, the diplomat had his accreditation revoked and was instructed to depart from the country within a fortnight.
A spokesperson from No10 condemned Russia for making unfounded and malicious accusations, emphasizing that the UK will not tolerate intimidation tactics. The spokesperson dismissed Russia’s claims as baseless and highlighted Russia’s pattern of harassment towards British diplomats.
The FSB alleged the presence of undisclosed intelligence operations in Moscow and accused the diplomat of engaging in activities that jeopardize Russian national security. Danae Dholakia, the British Chargé d’Affaires in Russia, was summoned by the Russian Ministry of Affairs in response to the allegations.
The Russian Ministry of Affairs stated that the British employee was suspected to be affiliated with British intelligence services and involved in subversive intelligence work in Russia. Moscow warned against the presence of undeclared British intelligence personnel in the country, vowing to uphold its national security interests.
This incident marks the second expulsion of a British diplomat by Russia this year, with the UK dismissing previous expulsions as unfounded. In February, the British government revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat in response to escalating diplomatic tensions.
