The British government today said , that it summoned the Russian ambassador after an “unprecedented and unfounded public campaign of aggression” by Russia, including accusations directed against officials in the Foreign Ministry, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSS) last week said it had revoked the status of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of espionage and sabotage. The United Kingdom described these Russian accusations as “malicious and completely unfounded”.
„This pattern of behavior is completely unacceptable, deeply unprofessional and below the standards of behavior between the two countries,” said a spokesman for the British Foreign Office and called on Russia to “stop this activity immediately”.
„This is the latest development in Russia's deliberate campaign to undermine and threaten UK security and democracy and to divert our support for Ukraine through disinformation, acts of sabotage in Europe and direct pressure and restrictions on diplomatic our missions in Russia”, the British Foreign Office added.
Russia's decision to expel British diplomats escalated tensions between Moscow and London hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden meet at the White House to discuss whether Kiev should be authorized to launch long-range missile strikes on targets in Russia. After the meeting, it was not announced what decision was made.