Moscow, September 13, 2024 — Russia has expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage and subversive activities. The Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the decision on Friday, citing evidence that the diplomats were involved in intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at undermining Russia.
According to Russian State TV, an FSB official stated that the expelled diplomats were assigned to Russia by a division of the U.K. Foreign Office with the intent to “inflict a strategic defeat” on Russia. The FSB’s allegations include claims of the diplomats’ participation in “subversive activities” against the country.
This development comes shortly after the United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine. The timing is also notable as Ukrainian officials have been advocating for the use of Western-provided missiles to target deeper inside Russia.
The British Embassy in Moscow has yet to respond to requests for comment on the expulsion.
This incident further strains diplomatic relations between Russia and the United Kingdom, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.