Moscow: Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Friday that it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of espionage and sabotage. This move signals the Kremlin’s escalating frustration with what it perceives as the UK’s critical role in supporting Ukraine.
Tensions Escalate
The expulsion of the diplomats coincided with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington, where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden. This meeting was a crucial step in discussions on potentially granting Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia. President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “We are committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russia’s onslaught of aggression.” However, neither Biden nor Starmer addressed the issue of long-range missiles in their brief comments to the press. The White House indicated that no new policy changes regarding Ukraine were planned.
Putin’s Warning
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin warned that any Western provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, enabling strikes on Russian territory, would escalate the conflict to a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin emphasized that Putin’s message to the West was clear and unequivocal.
Diplomatic Fallout
The timing of Russia’s expulsion of the British diplomats underscores the increasing tensions between Moscow and London. The move followed the UK’s expulsion of the Russian defense attache and the revocation of diplomatic status from several Russian properties in May.
According to the FSB, the British diplomats were involved in activities deemed threatening to Russian security. The agency claimed to have documents showing that a British Foreign Office department was orchestrating efforts to escalate the political and military situation and ensure Russia’s defeat in Ukraine. The FSB stated, “The facts revealed give grounds to consider the activities of British diplomats sent to Moscow by the directorate as threatening the security of the Russian Federation.”
British Response
The British government has dismissed the accusations as “completely baseless”, characterizing the expulsions as a retaliatory measure following the UK’s previous actions against Russian personnel. A British Foreign Office spokesperson stated, “The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month, following action taken by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the UK.” The spokesperson reaffirmed Britain’s stance, saying, “We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests.”
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Impact on Long-Range Missiles
The diplomatic row comes as discussions continue on the potential approval of long-range missiles for Ukraine. The U.S. and U.K. are considering this move amid reports of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which has intensified talks about Ukraine’s missile capabilities. Some sources suggest that a decision could be made at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly starting on September 24.
White House spokesperson John Kirby downplayed the possibility of a policy shift, stating, “There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia.” Kirby added that no major announcements were expected from the Biden-Starmer discussions.
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Surveillance and Allegations
Russian state media have released surveillance footage and photographs of the expelled British diplomats, alleging their involvement in intelligence activities. The FSB claimed these diplomats recruited Russian teenagers, organized provocations, and held meetings with opposition figures in Moscow. The agency also accused them of working with activists to sow divisions within Russian society. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the British embassy’s actions as exceeding diplomatic norms and engaging in subversive activities aimed at harming Russia.
