The International Workplace has revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat after a British diplomat was expelled from Moscow final yr.
A International Workplace spokesperson stated the Russian ambassador to the UK was summoned for a gathering with a senior British official to revoke the accreditation of the diplomat.
“This is in response to Russia’s unprovoked and baseless decision to strip the accreditation of a British diplomat in Moscow in November,” they stated.
“The UK will not stand for intimidation of our staff in this way, and so we are taking reciprocal action.
“Any additional motion taken by Russia will likely be thought of an escalation and responded to accordingly.”
Shortly after the announcement, International Secretary David Lammy posted on X: “We’ve stripped a Russian diplomat’s accreditation, following Russia’s recent expulsion of a British diplomat.
“We’re unapologetic about defending our nationwide pursuits.
“My message to Russia is clear – if you take action against us, we will respond.”
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The Tass company claimed he had offered false data to enter the nation and alleged he was engaged in spying and sabotage.
It stated it had discovered proof the diplomat was concerned in “reconnaissance and subversive work that threatens the security of the Russian Federation”.
The British diplomat who was expelled by Moscow in November labored on the embassy in Moscow and had changed considered one of six British intelligence officers who have been expelled in August, based on Tass.
The International Workplace additionally rejected Russia’s accusations that these six diplomats had been engaged in “spying and sabotage” as “baseless”.
In Might final yr, the UK additionally expelled Russia’s defence attache in London, Colonel Maxim Elovik, claiming he was an “undeclared military intelligence officer”.
The federal government additionally eliminated diplomatic standing from a number of Russian-owned premises and positioned restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
In response, Russia expelled Britain’s defence attache in Moscow, Captain Adrian Coghill.