Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country over allegations of spying, the latest in a series of expulsions of embassy staff from both sides.
According to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), the diplomat allegedly provided false information when applying to enter the country and attempted to obtain sensitive information during informal economic meetings. Reports indicate that the diplomat's accreditation has been revoked, and they have been ordered to exit Russia within two weeks.
A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office described the expulsion as complete nonsense and accused Russia of engaging in an aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats, noting that they have been subject to baseless accusations.
In further detail, the FSB claims that the diplomat deliberately provided false information while obtaining a permit to enter Russia and observed signs of intelligence activities. His identity was published in Russian state media.
In response to the expulsion, the UK's charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and left without making a comment, indicating the high tensions between the two nations.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of retaliation between the UK and Russia, where diplomatic relations have been severely strained following Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The UK has previously expelled Russian officials in response to earlier allegations of espionage, reinforcing the cycle of diplomatic hostility.
Earlier this year, Russia expelled a British diplomat under similar allegations, and in March 2025, two British officials faced expulsion amid ongoing international tensions. The UK retaliated by revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat, asserting that it would not tolerate intimidation of its embassy staff or their families.
