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Russia orders British diplomat to leave amid spying claims
Moscow has expelled a UK diplomat after accusing him of providing false information during his entry application and attempting to gather classified data during unofficial economic discussions. The move marks the latest escalation in a prolonged diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
FSB allegations and UK response
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that the diplomat submitted misleading details when applying for entry permits and exhibited behavior consistent with intelligence-gathering activities, according to reports by state media outlet Tass. The diplomat's name has since been circulated in Russian state-controlled news outlets.
The UK Foreign Office swiftly dismissed the accusations as "complete nonsense," condemning what it described as a "coordinated campaign of harassment" targeting British embassy personnel. A spokesperson emphasized that London "does not tolerate intimidation of its diplomats or their families," calling the allegations "malicious and baseless."
Diplomatic fallout and recent tensions
Following the expulsion order, UK charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia was summoned to Russia's Foreign Ministry but declined to comment upon leaving. The diplomat in question has been given two weeks to depart the country after having his accreditation revoked.
This incident is the latest in a series of reciprocal expulsions between Russia and the UK, which have intensified since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated sharply, with both sides accusing the other of espionage and harassment.
Recent tit-for-tat expulsions
In early 2026, Russia expelled another British diplomat on similar spying allegations. In March 2025, Moscow ordered two UK officials to leave, prompting London to revoke accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse in retaliation. The UK Foreign Office reiterated its stance against what it termed "intimidation tactics" by Russian authorities.
Broader context of UK-Russia relations
The ongoing diplomatic tensions reflect deeper geopolitical strains, particularly over Russia's war in Ukraine. Both countries have engaged in a pattern of expulsions, with each side framing the other's actions as provocative and unjustified. Analysts suggest the latest incident is unlikely to ease hostilities in the near term.
