Russia Expels Six British Diplomats Amid Escalating Tensions Over Ukraine Missiles
In a significant diplomatic fallout, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has expelled six British diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of engaging in espionage and sabotage activities. The move underscores Russia’s increasing frustration with the UK, which the Kremlin views as playing a critical role in aiding Ukraine during its ongoing war with Russia.
British Diplomats Expelled Over Spy Allegations
The FSB claimed that the six diplomats were involved in actions threatening the security of the Russian Federation. In a statement, the security service stated it had uncovered documents proving that a British Foreign Office department was working to escalate both political and military tensions in the region. According to the FSB, these diplomats had been actively involved in espionage and sabotage activities as part of a broader effort to defeat Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with other agencies, acted on the FSB’s evidence by terminating the accreditation of these diplomats. The Kremlin’s actions mark a clear signal of its growing anger towards London’s role in supporting Ukraine and promoting what it sees as Western-backed military escalation.
UK Responds: Dismisses Russia’s Allegations
The British government was quick to respond, firmly rejecting Russia’s accusations. A Foreign Office spokesperson described the claims as “completely baseless” and argued that Russia’s decision to expel the diplomats was a retaliatory move. This came after the UK expelled a Russian defense attaché in May and revoked the diplomatic status of several Russian properties in Britain.
“We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests,” said the UK’s Foreign Office. Despite the diplomatic tensions, Britain remains firm in its support for Ukraine and dismissive of Russia’s accusations of espionage.
Diplomatic Expulsions Amid UK-U.S. Talks
The timing of these expulsions was noteworthy. The announcement came just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. The meeting was viewed as crucial in discussions regarding Western military support for Ukraine, including the potential use of long-range missiles targeting Russia.
Although neither leader publicly addressed long-range missile use during their press appearance, the meeting signaled the West’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. Biden reiterated the U.S.’s dedication to standing with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support in the “vital war of freedom.”
Putin’s Warning to the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin had already issued a stern warning the day before, stating that any Western decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range missiles would fundamentally change the nature of the conflict. According to Putin, such a move would bring the West into direct confrontation with Russia, escalating the war further.
The Kremlin reiterated Putin’s position after the expulsions, claiming that the message to the West had been delivered “clearly and unambiguously.” This follows reports that Washington and London are increasingly concerned about the reported delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Although Russia and Iran have denied these claims, the reports have sped up discussions around Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles.
Allegations of British Espionage and Sabotage
The FSB’s accusations went further, claiming that British diplomats had been recruiting Russian teenagers, organizing provocations, and holding meetings with opposition figures in Moscow. According to Russian state media, the expelled diplomats were allegedly coordinating efforts with UK-based intelligence services to create divisions within Russian society by exploiting ethnic and social tensions.
Surveillance footage and photographs of the British diplomats were released by Russian media, including covert videos of meetings between diplomats and Russian individuals. Russia’s intelligence service warned that more British diplomats could face expulsion if similar activities were discovered in the future.
Diplomatic Fallout and Future Tensions
The expulsion of these six British diplomats represents a significant escalation in the already fraught relations between Moscow and London. With diplomatic tensions between Russia and the West at an all-time high, this latest incident could have broader implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Sources suggest that talks between the West and Ukraine are moving toward a decision regarding Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, with a potential announcement expected at the United Nations General Assembly in late September. While White House spokesperson John Kirby downplayed the chances of any immediate policy change, Western sources have indicated that Ukraine may be given the green light to use Western long-range missiles on the condition that they are not supplied by the United States.