London denies Moscow’s claims of embassy misconduct as the two nations engage in another round of retaliatory staff deportations.
A British diplomat has been ordered to leave Russia within two weeks following a decision by the FSB to revoke his credentials. The official is accused by the Russian state of attempting to acquire sensitive economic data under the guise of informal meetings. Authorities in Moscow also stated that the diplomat provided inaccurate details on his initial entry permit, a charge the UK government has characterized as a fabrication.
The Foreign Office in London has condemned the move, stating that it will not tolerate the intimidation of its staff or their families. The ministry suggested that the expulsion is a reactionary measure intended to deflect from Russia’s own international conduct. This specific case is the second such expulsion this year, following a similar incident involving accusations of espionage earlier in 2026.
“Russia’s move is complete nonsense and part of an aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats.”
The ongoing diplomatic war has significantly hampered the ability of both nations to maintain traditional communication channels. In March 2025, a peak in tensions led to the UK revoking the accreditation of Russian diplomatic personnel in London. As the cycle of retaliation continues, the number of functioning diplomats in both the Moscow and London embassies remains at historically low levels, with no sign of a diplomatic thaw in the immediate future.
SOURCES: Russian Federal Security Service, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Tass News Agency.
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