London (TDI): The United Kingdom revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat, in a direct response to Russia’s expulsion of a British diplomat in November 2024.
Russia stripped a British diplomat’s accreditation over spying allegations.
The British foreign office summoned the Russian diplomat Andrey Kelin to convey their decision pointing out that this is a reaction to the Russian “unprovoked and baseless actions”.
The UK said that it will not tolerate intimidation of its staff like this and take proper action.
The British authorities also warned Russia that any such actions taken by Russia would be seen as escalatory and would be dealt with appropriate responses.
Also Read: EU Plans Tariffs on Russian, Belarusian Imports
David Lammy The foreign representative of the UK said, “We have stripped a Russian diplomat’s accreditation, following Russia’s recent expulsion of a British diplomat. We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests. My message to Russia is clear if you take action against us we will respond”.
This development marked a significant decline in UK-Russia relations which were already strained since the Russia-Ukraine war started in 2022.
The UK is a vocal critic of Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
Due to this conflict, it has imposed multiple sanctions on Russia.
Also Read: Russia Seeks to Retain Syria Bases
On the other hand, it provides military support to Ukraine against Russia.
Diplomatic tensions have aggravated by the expulsions of diplomats from both sides.
Last year, Russia expelled about six British diplomats over the allegations of espionage. Their names were not made public.
Britain continuously declined Russia’s allegations.
But now the UK responded aggressively by expelling Russian diplomats with clear statements and warnings.
The UK will not tolerate any such allegations and behavior towards their diplomats and it UK is prepared for any such actions by Russia, said the British foreign office.
