UK Summons Russian Ambassador Over “Unprovoked” Diplomat Expulsion

(MENAFN) The British Foreign Office on Monday summoned Russia’s ambassador and strongly criticized Moscow’s recent decision to expel a UK diplomat, describing the move as “unprovoked and unjustified,” according to reports.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified decision to expel a British diplomat last month and its baseless accusations against our staff."

The statement noted that Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin was summoned to convey that the UK will not tolerate “intimidation of British Embassy staff.” As part of a reciprocal action, the UK is also revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat.

"It is deeply disappointing that Russia continually seeks to disrupt the work of the UK’s diplomatic missions and deter our support for Ukraine," the spokesperson added, noting that any further measures taken by Russia will be seen as an escalation and met with an appropriate response.

The incident follows a January 15 announcement from the Russian Foreign Ministry that a British Embassy employee was being expelled for alleged “affiliation with British intelligence services.” A Foreign Office spokesperson said the UK is “carefully considering” its options in response.

This diplomatic tension echoes previous actions: in March 2025, the UK expelled a Russian diplomat in retaliation for Moscow’s expulsion of a British diplomat in November 2024.

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