Tensions between the UK and Russia escalate over allegations of espionage and sabotage in Ukraine. Russia revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of coordinating actions to escalate the international political and military situation in Ukraine. The UK Foreign Office called the accusations baseless. The British government stated that the move was a tit-for-tat response to Western actions against Russian activities. The expelled diplomats have already left Russia and been replaced.
The Russian announcement came ahead of a planned meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden to discuss the Ukraine war. The FSB claimed that the British diplomats had recruited Russian teenagers, organized provocations, and held talks with opposition figures at the British ambassador’s residence in Moscow. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported the FSB’s evaluation, citing violations of the Vienna Convention by the British embassy.
Starmer reiterated Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine, sparking discussions on whether Western-supplied long-range weapons could be used against Russia. President Putin warned that such a decision could lead to NATO being at war with Russia. Diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia are at a historic low, with previous expulsions and restrictions imposed by both sides. Concerns have been raised about the potential political and military implications of further actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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