Bilateral tensions between London and Moscow have escalated following Russia’s expulsion of a British embassy official accused of conducting intelligence operations targeting the country’s economy.
The FSB security service alleged the diplomat, described as an embassy secretary, engaged in “subversive intelligence activities” threatening Russian security, according to state media outlet RIA.
Moscow has ordered the official to depart within two weeks after stripping him of accreditation, marking the second British diplomat expelled from Russia this year.
According to the intelligence agency, the diplomat deliberately submitted false information when seeking entry to the Russian Federation, violating domestic law. The FSB claimed to have uncovered evidence linking him to covert intelligence gathering.
January saw Russia expel another British diplomat after accusing him of espionage activities. Moscow’s foreign ministry stated at the time it had received information “regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service.”
Officials summoned British charge d’affaires Danae Dholakia to lodge a formal protest and notify her of the expulsion order, though authorities declined to identify that individual publicly.
The diplomatic row unfolds as Britain prepares to intercept Russian shadow fleet vessels operating in UK waters, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer approving new powers enabling special forces to seize sanctioned ships.
At least six Russian tankers passed through the Strait of Dover unchallenged on Thursday, prompting the RAF to deploy two Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft for extended Channel patrols. The vessels brazenly sailed past the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth headquarters, the Special Boat Service base in Poole and Royal Marine installations.
Sir Keir announced the crackdown after government lawyers previously blocked special forces from boarding Russian vessels. “Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets,” the Prime Minister stated. “That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign.”
Russia’s shadow fleet—comprising up to 800 vessels—continues transporting millions of barrels of crude oil through the world’s busiest shipping lanes despite Western sanctions and price caps. Experts estimate over 60 per cent of Russian oil exports now travel via these vessels.
Four sanctioned ships scheduled to transit eastward through the Channel diverted course on Thursday, sailing north around Scotland instead, according to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data. However, analysts cautioned the deterrent effect may prove temporary.
