The British government has called the espionage allegations “completely unfounded”. of its 6 diplomats expelled from the embassy in Moscowwhile Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that the decision was not linked to any attempt to break off diplomatic relations with London.
“The accusations made today by the FSB (Russian security service) against our employees are completely unfounded,” the British Foreign Office responded in a statement, adding that London “does not regret protecting its national interests”.
The FSB claimed that this decision was taken “as a retaliatory measure for London’s multiple hostile actions”, accusing the six targeted diplomats of conducting “subversive and covert activities”.
The six diplomats left Russia several weeks ago and they have already been replaced.
Rising tensions
The Russian decision comes amid rising tensions between the UK and Russia following the war in Ukraine and on the day the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Washington to discuss the possibility of allowing Kiev to deploy long-range missiles deep into Russian territory.
Last May, the previous British government expelled the military attaché from the Russian embassy in London, describing him as an “undeclared military intelligence officer”, which Moscow denied.
The Conservative government has also taken other restrictive measures regarding the Russian diplomatic presence on British soil.
In the process, Russia appealed to the British Military Attaché in Moscow to leave the country and warned that there would be further retaliation.
Cases of alleged espionage involving Moscow have also emerged in recent months in the UK. Six Bulgarians are due to go on trial soon in London on charges of spying for Russia. They have pleaded not guilty. In May, a man was also charged with aiding Russian intelligence. He is due to appear in court in early 2025.
Source: RES-MPE