Russia Expels Six British Diplomats Amid Escalating Tensions

Russian authorities have expelled six British diplomats on accusations of spying. This move comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, primarily regarding Ukraine's efforts to use Western-supplied weapons for defense. Moscow's action follows a series of diplomatic expulsions between Russia and Western nations since early 2022.

Russian authorities accused six British diplomats of espionage, announcing their expulsion as tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate over Ukraine's use of Western-supplied weapons.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) stated on Friday that it had decided to withdraw the diplomats' accreditations, with state TV reporting that they would be expelled. The decision coincides with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Washington for talks with President Joe Biden, focusing on Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Starmer, en route to the US, emphasized that Britain seeks no conflict with Russia, holding Russia responsible for initiating the conflict by invading Ukraine. Moscow claims the expelled diplomats were engaged in intelligence and subversive activities, following numerous unfriendly actions by London, and warned other diplomats of similar repercussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)