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Russia Expels Two British Diplomats Over Espionage Allegations

The UK dismisses Russia's claims as baseless, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions since the Ukraine conflict began.

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Britain's embassy building in Moscow.
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Representatives of the British embassy exit the main building of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Russia, after a decision to revoke the accreditations of two British diplomats who had provided false personal information while seeking permission to enter Russia.

Overview

  • Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) accused two British diplomats of espionage and ordered them to leave the country within two weeks.
  • The diplomats, identified as a second secretary at the British embassy and the spouse of another diplomat, allegedly provided false information to enter Russia.
  • The UK Foreign Office strongly denied the allegations, calling them malicious and baseless, and has not announced any retaliatory measures yet.
  • This expulsion adds to a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic actions between Russia and the UK, which have worsened since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
  • The expulsions follow recent espionage-related incidents, including a UK court convicting three Bulgarians of spying for Russia and ongoing accusations of intelligence activities on both sides.