Downing Street strongly criticized the Kremlin for what it called baseless allegations after a British diplomat was expelled over accusations of espionage.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged that the diplomat had provided false information about himself and was attempting to gather intelligence on the Russian economy. Consequently, the diplomat was stripped of his accreditation and instructed to leave the country within a fortnight.
A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister’s office condemned Russia’s actions, labeling them as malicious and groundless. The spokesperson emphasized that the UK will not tolerate intimidation and stated, “The accusations leveled by Russia are once again baseless. Russia has been engaging in an increasingly aggressive campaign of harassment against British diplomats, making unfounded claims about their activities.”
The expulsion came after the FSB claimed to have uncovered an undisclosed intelligence presence in Moscow, accusing the diplomat of conducting intelligence and subversive operations that jeopardized Russian security.
Following the allegations, British Chargé d’Affaires in Russia, Danae Dholakia, was summoned by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry asserted that the diplomat was linked to British intelligence services and engaged in subversive intelligence work in Russia.
Furthermore, the Russian side warned that it will not tolerate undisclosed British intelligence operatives in the country and will respond decisively to any escalation by the UK.
This incident marks the second expulsion of a British diplomat by Russia in the current year, with a similar expulsion occurring in January, which the UK also dismissed as unfounded. In response, the UK government revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat in February.
