British diplomat expelled from Russia after being accused of being a spy

"The diplomat, who was not named, has two weeks to leave the country, the Russian foreign ministry said, after it received information regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service. A translation of a post on the Telegram channel of the FSB, Russia's domestic intelligence agency, said the British chargee d'affaires, Danae Dholakia, had been summoned to be informed the diplomat was being expelled."

"Saying Moscow would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia, the ministry warned Russia would respond decisively if the UK escalates the situation. A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive mirror' response, it said. Russia and the US have both pledged to rebuild staffing levels at their embassies early last year, part of a charm offensive on Moscow by the US president, Donald Trump, which was roundly criticised in Europe."

"Both Russia and the UK have periodically expelled each other's diplomats from the country since the start of the war in Ukraine. Most recently, Russia expelled a UK diplomat and the spouse of another in March last year, claiming the pair had been spies. In response, the UK expelled a Russian diplomat, with the then foreign secretary, David Lammy, accusing Moscow of waging a relentless and unacceptable campaign of intimidation against British embassy staff."

A British diplomat in Russia was expelled and given two weeks to leave after the Russian foreign ministry received information linking the diplomat to the British secret service. The FSB's Telegram channel reported that the British charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia was summoned to be informed of the expulsion. Moscow warned it will not tolerate undeclared British intelligence activity and promised a decisive 'mirror' response if London escalates. Russia and the US pledged to rebuild embassy staffing early last year amid controversial outreach. Russia and the UK have repeatedly expelled each other's diplomats since the Ukraine war began, with recent reciprocal expulsions and accusations.

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