UK summons Russian ambassador amid diplomat expulsions
- Russia expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage, which the UK government called baseless.
- The UK Foreign Office condemned Russia's actions as part of a malicious campaign against the UK and its support for Ukraine.
- The UK government demands that Russia halt its aggressive activities, emphasizing the need for adherence to international diplomatic norms.
The UK Foreign Office summoned Russia's ambassador, Andrei Kelin, following the expulsion of six British diplomats from Moscow. This action was prompted by Russia's accusations of espionage against the diplomats, which the UK government described as malicious and unfounded. The Kremlin's claims were linked to a broader narrative of alleged British involvement in undermining Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. The Foreign Office emphasized that such actions violate international diplomatic agreements and threaten UK security. The expulsion of the British diplomats occurred on September 13, coinciding with heightened tensions between the UK and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK government accused Russia of conducting a deliberate campaign of aggression, which includes disinformation and harassment of UK diplomatic missions. This campaign is seen as an attempt to deter UK support for Ukraine and to undermine its security. The situation escalated as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was in Washington discussing military support for Ukraine, including the potential use of long-range missiles against Russian targets. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that such actions would be viewed as a serious escalation, equating it to NATO's direct involvement in the conflict. The expulsion of diplomats has become a recurring theme since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations. The UK government remains firm in its stance, urging Russia to cease its aggressive activities immediately.