Russia Kicks Out Six UK Diplomats Over Spy Claims
In a sharp escalation of tensions, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has dumped six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying and sabotage. The Kremlin slammed the diplomats for operating under diplomatic cover while allegedly trying to undermine Russian security amid the Ukraine conflict.
FSB Accuses UK of Dangerous Espionage Plot
The FSB, heir to the notorious KGB, claims the six diplomats were part of a British Embassy political operation gathering sensitive intelligence. A spokesperson said their actions went “beyond diplomatic protocol” and posed a threat to Russia’s national security. Their names were broadcast on Russian state TV, and they’ve been ordered to leave the country immediately.
Russian Officials Warn More Expulsions Could Follow
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, slammed the British Embassy for overstepping diplomatic boundaries. Speaking on state television, she accused UK officials of deliberately harming Russian interests: “They are engaging in actions detrimental to the Russian people.” The FSB warned that more British diplomats face expulsion if caught in “harmful activities.”
UK Embassy Silent as London Prepares Retaliation
The British government has yet to officially respond. The UK Embassy in Moscow refused to comment, but insiders say London is preparing to boot Russian diplomats from the UK in revenge. This latest tit-for-tat marks a further strain on already frosty UK-Russia relations amid the ongoing Ukrainian war, with both sides trading accusations of covert manoeuvres and sabotage.
Stay tuned for updates as this diplomatic showdown heats up.