Russia expels British diplomat over alleged spying; UK dismisses claims as baseless, highlighting ongoing tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and rising tensions since 2022 Ukraine invasion, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country within two weeks, accusing them of spying and providing false information on entry documents. The move, announced by the Federal Security Service (FSB), is the latest in a series of diplomatic expulsions between London and Moscow following years of strained relations.
According to Russian state media, the diplomat allegedly attempted to obtain sensitive information during informal economic meetings and “intentionally provided false information” when applying for a permit to enter Russia. The individual’s accreditation has been revoked, and their departure is required within 14 days.
The UK Foreign Office swiftly rejected the claims, calling them “complete nonsense” and accusing Russia of conducting an “aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats.” A spokesperson emphasised that Moscow has been “pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work” and stated: “The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families.”
Following the announcement, the UK’s charge d’affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry but reportedly left without comment. Russian state news agency Tass also published the diplomat’s name, further inflaming tensions.
This incident follows a pattern of tit-for-tat expulsions between the two countries since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Moscow expelled a British diplomat over similar spying allegations, prompting the UK to revoke accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse. In March 2025, two more British officials were expelled, again over accusations of espionage, with London condemning the claims as “malicious and baseless.”
Analysts say the expulsions reflect the continuing deterioration of UK-Russia relations, which have been marked by mutual distrust and repeated diplomatic clashes over intelligence and security issues. Both sides have repeatedly engaged in retaliatory measures, further complicating international cooperation and dialogue.
Despite repeated warnings from the UK, Moscow has continued to levy accusations against British staff, often in conjunction with broader state messaging that portrays Western diplomats as a threat to Russian national security. The UK maintains that its diplomats operate transparently and lawfully, with no involvement in espionage.
The latest expulsion comes at a sensitive time, with ongoing discussions in Europe regarding security, intelligence-sharing, and the long-term impact of the conflict in Ukraine.
