Russian espionage claims escalate diplomatic tensions with UK
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a representative from the British embassy in connection with espionage charges. Two British citizens associated with the diplomatic post are accused of such activities.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called in a representative from the British embassy for a discussion. "The Federal Security Service’s counter-intelligence operations exposed the unreported intelligence presence of the United Kingdom under the cover of the country’s embassy in Moscow," informed Reuters, citing a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) accused the second secretary and the husband of the first secretary of the political department of the British embassy in Moscow of espionage activities. "Both these individuals will be stripped of their accreditation and must leave Russia within two weeks," stated the FSB's release.
Allegations against British diplomats
The FSB alleges that these individuals provided false information about themselves when entering Russia. Their activity was deemed to bear the hallmarks of espionage and sabotage activities, which threaten Russia's national security.
Currently, the UK authorities have not responded to the charges made by Russia. The case is ongoing, and further diplomatic actions may be taken in the coming days.
A few days ago, the British also delivered a verdict in the case of three Bulgarian citizens. The court found the individuals, who had been traveling across Europe for years using Bulgarian passports, guilty of espionage on behalf of Russia.
The convicted individuals are aged between 30 and 39. They were involved in the surveillance of journalists, politicians, and also the infiltration of military facilities.
