Edition: International | Greek
MENU

Home » Europe

No 10 dismisses Russia spy claims as ’baseless’

Downing Street has denied allegations that a British diplomat expelled from Russia was a spy

By: EBR - Posted: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

According to Tass, the FSB says that the diplomat was a replacement for one of six UK diplomats expelled in August, also on espionage charges.
According to Tass, the FSB says that the diplomat was a replacement for one of six UK diplomats expelled in August, also on espionage charges.

by Amy Walker

Downing Street has denied allegations that a British diplomat expelled from Russia was a spy.

Russian state-run news agencies reported that the country’s security service FSB accused the diplomat - whose photo was shared on Russian TV bulletins - of providing false information on his documents and carrying out espionage activities.

When asked if a tit-for-tat expulsion would occur, a No 10 spokesman said they were "considering" their response.

"To be clear, we refute these allegations" he said, calling them "baseless."

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the ministry had also summoned the British ambassador, Tass news agency reported.

Footage shows the British ambassador’s car pulling up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow.

According to Tass, the FSB says that the diplomat was a replacement for one of six UK diplomats expelled in August, also on espionage charges.

"This is not the first time that [Vladimir] Putin’s government has made malicious, baseless accusations against our staff," Downing Street said.

"The UK government is unapologetic about protecting our national interests and will now respond in due course, and our embassy in Moscow will continue its important work in Russia to support UK interests."

It comes amid worsening relations between the UK and Russia since the latter’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Last week it emerged the UK lifted restrictions on Ukraine using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on targets inside Russia for the first time.

President Vladimir Putin cited the move, alongside the launching of US-supplied longer-range missiles at Russian territory, as being behind Russia’s decision to launch a new hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday.

Expulsions of diplomats have become increasingly common since the war began.

Earlier this year, British diplomat Capt Adrian Coghill was given a week to leave Russia, days after the Russian defence attache was expelled from London for alleged espionage as an "undeclared military intelligence officer".

More British politicians and press have also been barred from entering the country.

On Tuesday, Russia added 30 more to their "stop list" for what it called "hostile actions".

Included in the list are: Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Russia has previously banned British politicians and journalists, including from the BBC, Sky News and Channel 4.

In 2022, it banned now Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Minister David Lammy, among other senior government officials. Leader of the Conservative party Kemi Badenoch was also banned in the same year.

*first published in: Bbc.com

READ ALSO

EU Actually

Danish social democratic prime minister Mette Frederiksen sometimes tougher on migration than Giorgia Meloni

N. Peter KramerBy: N. Peter Kramer

With her country holding the rotating EU presidency the second half of 2025, Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is advocating a stronger EU with more defence and less migration

View 04/2021 2021 Digital edition

Magazine

Current Issue

04/2021 2021

View past issues
Subscribe
Advertise
Digital edition

Europe

Greek MEPs demand tariff-free trade in medicines as new deadline looms

Greek MEPs demand tariff-free trade in medicines as new deadline looms

Greek MEPs Papandreou and Tsiodras warn that US pharma tariffs threaten health and supply chains, urging the Commission to react accordingly.

Business

To save the Single Market, bring back Delors’ 1992 playbook

To save the Single Market, bring back Delors’ 1992 playbook

Most people familiar with EU affairs know the single market is a myth. Hailed as the bedrock of the European Union, it was never completed and is now crumbling.

MARKET INDICES

Powered by Investing.com
All contents © Copyright EMG Strategic Consulting Ltd. 1997-2025. All Rights Reserved   |   Home Page  |   Disclaimer  |   Website by Theratron