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.
Three Dutch parties have agreed to form a minority coalition that will install D66 leader Rob Jetten as the country’s youngest prime minister....
Storm Chandra brought severe flooding and widespread disruption to parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, as strong winds and heavy rain sw...
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not permit its airspace or territory to be use...
The S&P 500 edged to a record closing high on Tuesday, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains, as strong advances in technology stocks offset a sh...
Nigeria’s army says troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims during a late-night operation on the Kaduna–Abuja highway after tracking militants movin...
Russia expelled a British diplomat it accused of being an undeclared intelligence operative, a claim dismissed by London as “malicious and baseless”, with the UK saying it was weighing its response on Thursday.
Britain’s government has launched a TikTok account featuring footage of raids on migrants suspected of working illegally, as part of an effort to persuade voters and potential arrivals that it is getting to grips with immigration.
The United Kingdom has launched Project Nightfall, a fast-track programme to develop new long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine, aiming to help Kyiv strike targets deep behind Russian lines.
Train services through the Channel Tunnel were suspended for much of Tuesday after a power supply failure, causing long delays and leaving thousands stranded during peak New Year holiday travel.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected a U.S. magazine report on the death toll during January unrest. Nationwide protests erupted in response to soaring inflation and a national currency crisis.
The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to 6,126, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, often viewed as a bellwether for the complex diplomatic currents between the Kremlin and the West, has issued a startling prediction regarding the endgame of the war in Ukraine.
The strategic axis between Israel and Azerbaijan has been significantly reinforced this week as President Ilham Aliyev received Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Baku.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that Europe is "incapable" of defending itself alone without the United States, dismissing calls for a separate European defence force and stressing that transatlantic cooperation remains essential for the continent’s security.
Three Dutch parties have agreed to form a minority coalition that will install D66 leader Rob Jetten as the country’s youngest prime minister.
Storm Chandra brought severe flooding and widespread disruption to parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, as strong winds and heavy rain swept across the island.
Nigeria’s army says troops have rescued 11 kidnap victims during a late-night operation on the Kaduna–Abuja highway after tracking militants moving captives through forested terrain.
The European Parliament has delayed until next week a decision on whether to resume work on the EU–U.S. trade deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington would withdraw its support for Iraq if former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is returned to power, citing concerns over governance, stability and regional influence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment