Russia Revokes Accreditation of Six British Diplomats, Accuses Them of Spying
Russia's Foreign Ministry has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of spying.
The ministry said in a statement that the diplomats had been "caught red-handed" carrying out "illegal intelligence activities," and had been declared "persona non grata." The diplomats were given one week to leave Russia.
The British Foreign Office said it was "deeply concerned" by the Russian government's decision, and that it "rejects the allegations of espionage made against our diplomats." The Foreign Office said that the diplomats had been carrying out their duties in a "professional and responsible manner," and that it would "continue to support them."
The Russian Foreign Ministry did not provide any specific details about the alleged spying activities of the diplomats.
However, it said that the diplomats had been "working under diplomatic cover to collect information that could harm the security of the Russian Federation." The ministry also said that the diplomats had been "in contact with Russian citizens who were recruited to provide them with confidential information."
The British Foreign Office said that it was "aware of the Russian government's concerns about espionage," but that it "does not believe that the allegations made against our diplomats are well-founded." The Foreign Office said that it would "continue to work with the Russian government to address these concerns in a constructive and professional manner."
The Russian Foreign Ministry's decision to revoke the accreditation of the British diplomats is likely to further strain relations between the two countries.
Russia and the UK have been at odds over a number of issues in recent years, including the conflict in Ukraine and the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in the UK.
The Russian Foreign Ministry's decision is also likely to raise concerns about the safety of British diplomats in Russia. The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals to "exercise caution" when traveling to Russia, and to "be aware of the risks of arbitrary detention and harassment."
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