Russia has expelled a British diplomat accused of espionage.
This action according to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) comes amid rising tensions between Moscow and Western nations over Ukraine.
Citing the FSB in a report by the news agency Tass, The diplomat’s accreditation has been revoked, and he must leave the country.
The agency alleged that he provided false information to enter Russia and was involved in activities that threatened the country’s security.
The diplomat, who worked at the British embassy in Moscow, had replaced one of six British intelligence officers expelled in August.
The Foreign Office had previously dismissed Russia’s accusations as “baseless,” suggesting the expulsions were aimed at deterring the UK’s support for Ukraine.
Tensions have further escalated recently, with US President Joe Biden authorizing Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles against targets inside Russia.
Last week, Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain were fired into Russia.
Over the past year, there have been several diplomatic disputes between Russia and the UK.
In May, the UK expelled Russia’s defense attaché in London, Colonel Maxim Elovik, accusing him of being an “undeclared military intelligence officer.”
The UK also removed diplomatic status from several Russian-owned premises and imposed restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
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