UK to expel diplomat Russia diplomat over accusations of espionage

On Wednesday, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly announced the expulsion of an undisclosed Russian military intelligence officer, accusing the individual, who served as a defense attaché, of espionage. This action is part of a broader initiative aimed at dismantling Russian intelligence operations within the UK.

In addition to the expulsion, a series of sanctions will be implemented against Russia. These measures include revoking diplomatic status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK and imposing restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including limits on the duration of diplomats’ stays in the country. The Russian Ambassador was summoned to convey these measures and emphasize that the UK will not tolerate Russia’s actions.

Cleverly revealed these measures during a speech in the House of Commons, stressing that they are intended to send a strong deterrent message to Russia and diminish the threat posed by Russian intelligence services. Foreign Secretary David Cameron linked Russian espionage activities to the conflict in Ukraine, stating that Russia’s attempts to undermine UK and European security have escalated since the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

These tougher measures are the latest response to a pattern of alleged Russian malign activity across the UK and Europe, with the goal of targeting and dismantling Russian intelligence-gathering operations. The Home Office referenced an incident earlier this year involving six Bulgarian nationals charged with conspiring to commit espionage activities in the UK on behalf of Russia under the National Security Act 2023.

This latest action against Russia follows previous sanctions imposed in February in response to the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison camp. The UK government sanctioned six senior figures at the prison complex as a result.