Russia Expels British Diplomats Over Espionage Allegations

Diplomatic Tensions: Russia’s Action Against UK Envoys

Russia has expelled two British diplomats from its Moscow embassy, accusing them of espionage and providing false information upon entry. The individuals, a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, have been given two weeks to leave the country.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) alleges that the diplomats were involved in intelligence activities detrimental to Russia’s security.

The UK Foreign Office has dismissed these allegations as “malicious and baseless,” criticizing Russia for making unfounded accusations.

This incident adds to the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, marked by reciprocal expulsions of diplomats since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Notably, seven British diplomats were expelled last year amid the ongoing conflict and rising bilateral strains.

The expulsions occur in the context of recent security concerns in the UK, including the exposure of a Russian spy ring involving former city tech worker Orlin Roussev and several Bulgarian accomplices. This group allegedly conducted operations against opponents of President Vladimir Putin and supported Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine.

Diplomatic expulsions have surged since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Western countries and Japan expelling around 670 Russian diplomats, while Moscow has retaliated by expelling 346 diplomats. These numbers surpass those in any 20-year period prior to the conflict.