The UK government has revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat in a retaliatory move following Moscow's expulsion of a British official last year.
The action comes in direct response to Russia's “unprovoked and baseless” decision to strip a British diplomat of their accreditation in November.
The Foreign Office made clear its position on intimidation, stating: "The UK will not stand for intimidation of our staff in this way and so we are taking reciprocal action."
TASS, the Russian state news agency, said in November that he had been expelled for "intentionally providing false information when entering the Russian Federation".
It said evidence had been found that the diplomat was involved in "reconnaissance and subversive work that threatens the security of the Russian Federation".
On Thursday, the Foreign Office summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin for a meeting with a senior British official to inform him of the decision, warning that any further action by Moscow would be considered “an escalation and responded to accordingly.”
Shortly after the announcement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy posted on X: "We've stripped a Russian diplomat's accreditation, following Russia's recent expulsion of a British diplomat.
"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.
"My message to Russia is clear - if you take action against us, we will respond."
In May last year, the UK expelled Russia's defence attache in London, Colonel Maxim Elovik, claiming he was an "undeclared military intelligence officer".
The government also removed diplomatic status from several Russian-owned premises and placed restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
In response, Russia expelled Britain's defence attache in Moscow, Captain Adrian Coghill.
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Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Hungarian international Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth, as part of the club’s strategic efforts to reinforce their defensive line ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
India and Russia have discussed the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 air defence systems and upgrades to Su-30 fighter jets, alongside broader defence cooperation, during a key meeting at the SCO summit in China.
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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged China to work toward a permanent resolution of their border dispute, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust after the 2020 military clash.
Azerbaijan’s top general observed major drills in Türkiye and met senior Turkish defence leaders, underscoring the allies’ growing military partnership.
Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China for U.S.-bound products to offset the financial blow from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, as the sportswear giant posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a milder revenue forecast.
Azerbaijan and China have deepened energy cooperation, with new agreements signed to advance green energy initiatives and improve Azerbaijan’s electricity transmission system in line with its renewable energy targets.
Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Hungarian international Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth, as part of the club’s strategic efforts to reinforce their defensive line ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
India and Russia have discussed the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 air defence systems and upgrades to Su-30 fighter jets, alongside broader defence cooperation, during a key meeting at the SCO summit in China.
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