Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country, alleging the unnamed official is linked to the UK's secret intelligence services. The UK government has dismissed the accusation as "malicious and baseless," stating the Kremlin's actions stem from desperation.
Moscow's Allegations and Expulsion Order
The Russian foreign ministry stated it had received information regarding the diplomat's alleged affiliation with British intelligence. It declared the individual, who was not publicly named, had two weeks to exit Russia. The British deputy head of mission in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, was summoned to be formally informed of the expulsion.
In a statement on its Telegram channel, the ministry warned it would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on its soil. It further threatened a decisive "mirror" response if the United Kingdom chose to escalate the diplomatic situation.
UK's Firm Rejection of the Claims
The UK Foreign Office swiftly rejected the Russian allegations. A spokesperson condemned the move, stating it was part of a pattern of malicious accusations by the Kremlin against British diplomatic staff. The spokesperson asserted that such actions, born of "desperation," undermine the fundamental conditions necessary for diplomatic missions to operate effectively.
"We are carefully considering our options in response," the Foreign Office confirmed, indicating that retaliatory measures are on the table.
A History of Tit-for-Tat Diplomatic Expulsions
This incident is the latest in a series of reciprocal expulsions that have characterised the strained relationship between London and Moscow, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In March of last year, Russia expelled a British diplomat and the spouse of another, claiming they were spies.
The UK responded at the time by ejecting a Russian diplomat. Then Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Moscow of waging a "relentless and unacceptable campaign of intimidation" against UK embassy staff and attempting to threaten British security.
The diplomatic rift contrasts with efforts by other nations to rebuild embassy staffing. Early last year, Russia and the United States pledged to increase personnel levels at their respective missions, part of an outreach initiative by then-US President Donald Trump that was widely criticised across Europe.
