Russia has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country within two weeks following allegations of espionage, marking the latest escalation in deteriorating diplomatic relations between Moscow and London amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) accused the diplomat, identified as Albertus Gerhardus Janse van Rensburg, second secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, of engaging in intelligence activities that threaten Russian security. The FSB claimed he attempted to obtain sensitive economic information during informal meetings with Russian experts.
The FSB uncovered signs that the diplomat was carrying out intelligence and subversive activities that threaten the security of the Russian Federation
FSB statement — Al Jazeera
Russian authorities also alleged that the diplomat provided false information when applying for entry permits to the country. The FSB has recommended that Russian citizens avoid meetings with British diplomats to prevent potential negative consequences, including criminal liability.
The British Foreign Office strongly rejected the accusations, characterizing them as part of a coordinated harassment campaign against UK diplomatic staff. Officials dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Russia of intimidation tactics.
The BBC frames Russia's actions as part of an aggressive harassment campaign against British diplomats. The outlet emphasizes the UK's rejection of the allegations as 'complete nonsense' and highlights the pattern of Russian intimidation tactics.