Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing the individual of engaging in intelligence activities, though the allegation the United Kingdom has strongly denied.
On Thursday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed that the diplomat was operating on behalf of British intelligence, though no evidence was presented publicly.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the diplomat’s accreditation had been withdrawn and ordered them to depart the country within 14 days.
The ministry also summoned Danae Dholakia, the UK’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow, to formally notify her of the decision. In a statement, Moscow warned that it would respond proportionately if London took retaliatory steps.
The UK Foreign Office rejected the accusations, calling them “malicious and unfounded,” and said it was reviewing possible responses. The office added that repeated targeting of diplomats damages the basic functioning of diplomatic relations.
Tensions between Russia and NATO members, including the United Kingdom, have remained extremely strained since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The latest expulsion follows a similar move in March 2025, when Russia expelled two other British diplomats on espionage grounds—claims London also dismissed as false.
