Russia expels 6 UK diplomats for 'spying, sabotage'
What's the story
Russia has expelled six British diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of espionage and sabotage. The Federal Security Service (FSB) alleges that these diplomats were involved in escalating the political and military situation" and were tasked with ensuring Russia's strategic defeat against Ukraine. The FSB stated that it had documents showing a British foreign office department in London was coordinating these activities.
Evidence revealed
FSB claims evidence of British diplomats' involvement
"Thus, the facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation," the FSB said. "In this connection, on the basis of documents provided by the Federal Security Service of Russia and as a response to the numerous unfriendly steps taken by London, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia...has terminated the accreditation of six members of the political department of the British Embassy."
Accreditation terminated
Russia terminates accreditation of British diplomats
The FSB claims to have found "signs of spying and sabotage" in their actions. The identities and photographs of these diplomats were broadcast on Russian state television. An FSB employee stated on Rossiya-24 state TV channel, "The English did not take our hints about the need to stop this practice, so we decided to expel these six to begin with."
Further warnings
Russia warns of further expulsions
The FSB has also warned that other British diplomats could be asked to leave if they are found engaging in similar activities. The expulsion comes as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden. A central topic of their discussion is expected to be Kyiv's request to use Western-provided missiles against targets deep inside Russia. Earlier this week, Britain and the US jointly pledged some £1.1 billion in additional aid to Ukraine.