Tensions Escalate Between Russia and Britain Over Diplomatic Expulsions and Military Support for Ukraine
Russia has announced the expulsion of a British diplomat, escalating tensions between London and Moscow amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's domestic intelligence agency, revealed on Tuesday that the expulsion was based on allegations of espionage, claiming the diplomat was engaged in reconnaissance and activities that jeopardize Russia's security. The FSB accused the diplomat of providing misleading information during the entry application process, asserting that this act violated Russian law. Reports indicate that the diplomat has been given a two-week deadline to leave the country.
This expelled diplomat reportedly replaced one of six UK diplomats who were expelled in August, similarly under accusations of espionage. The British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) had previously rejected such accusations as unfounded.
Adding to the diplomatic strain, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned British Ambassador to Moscow, Nigel Casey, while no immediate response was available from the FCDO. Relations between Britain and Russia have plunged to unprecedented lows recently, particularly after the UK granted Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against targets within Russia.
This decision was made shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden's agreement to supply similar long-range missiles, the Atacms, to Ukraine. The approval for Ukrainian strikes came in response to the alarming deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops on Russia's border with Ukraine, which Western officials cited as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In retaliation, Ukraine has utilized Storm Shadow missiles, successfully striking a command headquarters situated in the Kursk region. Reports have emerged indicating that Britain had previously sent dozens more of these missiles to Ukraine weeks prior to this escalation.
The situation escalated further when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an experimental ballistic missile at a military target in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. He asserted Moscow’s right to retaliate against western nations that have been supplying Kyiv with weapons for use against Russian forces.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia have been characterized by tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, indicative of the deteriorating ties. For instance, in May, the UK expelled a senior Russian defense attache, accusing him of functioning as an undeclared military intelligence officer, prompting Moscow to respond with the expulsion of the British defense attache from Russia. This ongoing cycle of accusations and counter-accusations reflects the increasingly strained and hostile relations between the two countries.
Related Sources: