The UK has expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow’s removal of a British official last year, marking the latest development in an ongoing diplomatic standoff.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the expulsion, stating it was in direct response to “Russia’s recent expulsion of a British diplomat” in November. He added, “We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests. My message to Russia is clear—if you take action against us, we will respond.”
Russia had accused the British diplomat of spying and providing false information, leading to their expulsion. The UK dismissed these claims as “baseless” and warned that any further actions from Russia would be seen as an escalation.
In response to the latest move, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced plans for retaliation, as reported by state-run Tass news agency.
The diplomatic rift between the UK and Russia has widened since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Expulsions of diplomats have become frequent, with multiple British officials forced to leave Russia in recent years. In May, British diplomat Capt Adrian Coghill was expelled shortly after the UK removed a Russian defence attaché over alleged espionage.
The tensions extend beyond diplomats, with Moscow barring several British politicians and journalists from entering Russia. Most recently, 30 more individuals, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, were added to Russia’s “stop list.”
As both countries continue their tit-for-tat measures, diplomatic relations remain at their lowest point in decades.
