Russia expels two British diplomats on charges of espionage

Russia today ordered two British diplomats to leave within two weeks, accusing them of espionage. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused the diplomats of providing false personal data and engaging in activities that threatened national security but offered no evidence. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned a British embassy official, stating it would not tolerate “undeclared British intelligence officers” on its territory.

Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office rejected Russia’s latest espionage accusations, calling them “malicious and baseless.” It did not say if retaliation was



planned.

Russia’s FSB accused seven British diplomats of spying last year, leading to expulsions in September and November. London called the claims unfounded and later expelled a Russian diplomat in response.

In May last year, the UK expelled Russia’s defense attaché, alleging espionage, and shut down Russian diplomatic properties used for alleged spying. Moscow responded by expelling Britain’s defense attaché.

The move follows previous expulsions amid rising tensions over Ukraine. Since 2022, hundreds of diplomats have been expelled between Russia and Western nations.