Russia Expels Six British Diplomats Amid Espionage Allegations

Russia expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage and sabotage. Russia's FSB said the action was a response to London's unfriendly steps. The British Foreign Office dismissed the claims as baseless, indicating the expelled diplomats had already left Russia in August.

Russia announced on Friday that it has expelled six British diplomats, citing allegations of espionage and sabotage, according to a report by The New York Times. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) stated the decision was due to 'numerous unfriendly steps taken by London' and said the diplomats were sent by the British foreign service directorate responsible for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The FSB attributed the expulsion to reactions against London, citing activities by the British directorate since the invasion of Ukraine. They claimed these actions aimed to inflict strategic defeat on Russia and referred to the diplomats' activities as 'threatening' to Russia's security while detecting 'signs of spying and sabotage.'

In response, the British Foreign Office called the espionage allegations baseless, confirming the diplomats had already left Russia in late August following notification of Moscow's decision earlier in the month. 'The Russian authorities revoked the diplomatic accreditation of six UK diplomats in Russia last month following actions by the UK government in response to Russian state-directed activity,' the British Foreign Office stated, reaffirming their stance on protecting national interests.

Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, endorsed the FSB's decision, stating the diplomats had been involved in 'subversive work aimed at harming' Russians. Zakharova warned that similar actions would be taken against additional British diplomats if they engaged in such activities.

This move precedes a bilateral meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and United States President Joe Biden at the White House on September 13. The two leaders are set to discuss global issues, including support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, according to a White House press release.

(With inputs from agencies.)