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The escalating tensions between Russia and the West took a new turn as Russia revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of engaging in espionage. The UK, however, dismissed these accusations as “completely baseless,” suggesting that the move was a response to recent diplomatic actions taken by the UK in relation to Russia’s behavior. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed that the expelled diplomats were involved in intelligence-gathering and subversive activities, working for a division of the UK’s Foreign Office aimed at strategically undermining Russia.
The six diplomats were reportedly involved in interactions with independent media and rights groups that have been labeled as “foreign agents” by Russian authorities. The expulsion comes at a critical juncture as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Washington, where the potential provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, capable of striking deep into Russian territory, is a major topic of discussion. This move further highlights the heightened tensions between the two nations and the broader international community.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, condemned the diplomats for engaging in “subversive actions,” arguing that their activities went beyond the limits outlined by the Vienna Conventions. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that severing diplomatic relations with the UK is not currently being considered. The UK Foreign Office, however, linked the expulsions to their prior action in May, where they revoked the credentials of a Russian attaché and restricted Moscow’s diplomatic activities in London. They emphasized their commitment to protecting their national interests.
The expulsions are part of a larger pattern of diplomatic tit-for-tat actions between Russia and Western countries since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. According to the Russian news outlet RBC, Western countries and Japan expelled a total of 670 Russian diplomats between early 2022 and October 2023, leading to Moscow expelling 346 diplomats in response. This cycle of expulsion has further strained relations and exacerbated the already fragile diplomatic landscape.
The escalating tensions between Russia and the West have been further fueled by recent developments in the war in Ukraine. President Putin issued a stark warning that using Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia would effectively place NATO countries “at war with Russia.” British PM Keir Starmer, during his visit to Washington, countered this statement by emphasizing that Russia initiated the conflict through its illegal invasion of Ukraine and has the power to end it immediately. He affirmed Ukraine’s right to defend itself.
The current discussions between Biden and Starmer are expected to focus on Ukraine’s request for long-range missiles, though significant policy changes are unlikely. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed this request during recent visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Blinken acknowledged the topic would be addressed and indicated that the US would adapt its approach to Russia’s evolving battlefield tactics.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation and diplomatic maneuvering. The expulsions of the British diplomats serve as a reminder of the fragile state of international relations and the heightened stakes involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The use of accusations of espionage and counter-espionage, coupled with the exchange of diplomatic personnel, underscores the complex dynamics at play and the potential for further deterioration in the already fraught relationship between Russia and the West.
Source: Russia revokes accreditation of 6 British diplomats, accuse them of ‘spying’