Britain summoned Russia’s ambassador on Monday and revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat, calling the move reciprocal after Moscow expelled a British diplomat last month, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said.
The UK said the Russian ambassador was summoned for the meeting as London moved to revoke a Russian diplomat’s accreditation in response to Moscow’s earlier decision.
In a statement, the FCDO strongly criticized Russia’s decision to expel a British diplomat as “unprovoked and unjustified” and rejected what it called baseless accusations against UK embassy staff. It said that the UK would not tolerate intimidation of its personnel and warned that any further Russian action would be treated as an escalation.
The spokesperson of FCDO also accused Russia of trying to disrupt UK diplomatic work and deter Britain’s support for Ukraine, saying the pattern has repeatedly targeted the operation of British missions.
Last month, Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Danae Dholakia, the chargé d’affaires at the British Embassy in Moscow, and told her that diplomat Gareth Samuel Davies would be expelled over allegations of links to British intelligence.
Andrey Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the UK, has held the post since 2019.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
