Headlines
UK expels Russian diplomat in tit-for-tat over spying accusations
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 2, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary
The UK has expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Russia's expulsion of a British diplomat, citing unjustified accusations of spying.
UK Expels Russian Diplomat in Response to Spying Allegations
UK-Russia Diplomatic Tensions
LONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Britain said on Monday it had expelled a Russian diplomat after summoning the country's ambassador in what it said was a reciprocal move after Moscow last month expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of being an undeclared spy.
Russia's accusations were "baseless" and the expulsion was "unprovoked and unjustified", a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office (FCDO) said in a statement on Monday.
"Summoning the Russian Ambassador, a senior FCDO official made it clear that the UK will not stand for intimidation of British Embassy staff and so we are taking reciprocal action today, revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat," the spokesperson said.
Background of the Diplomatic Incident
Amid the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West have repeatedly accused each other of unfurling espionage campaigns of an intensity not seen since the depths of the Cold War, while western diplomats in Moscow say they are subject to intrusive surveillance and harassment.
Potential Consequences of Escalation
Britain warned Russia against pursuing this course against its diplomats.
"Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly," the spokesperson added.
The Russian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, writing by Sarah Young, editing by Paul Sandle)
Key Takeaways
- •UK revokes accreditation of a Russian diplomat.
- •Action is a response to Russia's expulsion of a British diplomat.
- •Russia accused the British diplomat of spying.
- •UK describes Russia's actions as 'unprovoked and unjustified'.
- •Diplomatic tensions between UK and Russia are escalating.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK expels Russian diplomat in tit-for-tat over spying accusations
1What is a diplomat?
A diplomat is an official representative of a country who is responsible for managing international relations and negotiations with other nations.
2What is accreditation in diplomacy?
Accreditation in diplomacy is the formal recognition of a diplomat's status by the host country, allowing them to perform their official duties.
