Russia expels British diplomat in latest espionage row

Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country within two weeks, accusing him of espionage.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged that the diplomat provided false information during his entry application and had been attempting to obtain sensitive information during informal economic meetings.

Russian authorities said the allegations prompted them to revoke the diplomat’s accreditation and issue the expulsion order.

In response, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office dismissed the move, calling it “complete nonsense” and insisting the allegations were baseless.

The expulsion is the latest in a series of diplomatic disputes between the two countries. Earlier this year, Russia expelled a British diplomat on similar charges, and in March 2025, two British officials were also ordered out of the country.

The United Kingdom subsequently retaliated by revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse.

The escalating tit-for-tat measures have raised concerns over the state of diplomatic relations between Moscow and London