Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Russia Withdraws UK Ambassador Amid Ukraine Tensions
Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, has left his job.
He had been the ambassador for more than seven years.
Russia has not chosen a new ambassador yet.
Another diplomat is temporarily leading the embassy in London.
Russia blamed Britain for the very poor relationship between the two countries.
Britain said it would keep strongly supporting Ukraine.
Russia warned Britain about reported attacks inside Russia using British-made drones supplied to Ukraine.
The disagreement is connected to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin left his London post on July 21 after more than seven years.
Moscow has not nominated a successor, and the embassy is being led by a chargé d’affaires.
Russia said the ambassador’s departure did not necessarily mean diplomatic relations were being downgraded.
The UK said it would continue supporting Ukraine and described Russia’s invasion as illegal and unprovoked.
Moscow warned Britain it would pay a price over reported use of British-made drones in strikes inside Russia.
- Who
- Russia, the UK, Ukraine, Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- What
- Russia’s ambassador left his UK post without a named successor amid worsening disputes over Britain’s support for Ukraine and reported strikes inside Russia.
- When
- Kelin left on July 21; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- The diplomatic dispute involves the Russian Embassy in London, the UK, Ukraine, and reported strikes deep inside Russia.
- Why
- Russia blamed London for the deterioration in relations and warned Britain over its support for Ukraine and the reported use of British-made drones in attacks inside Russia.
UK and Ukraine’s Position
Russia’s Position
Support for Ukraine
UK and Ukraine’s Position
The UK said it would continue supporting Ukraine, which it described as having the right to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
Russia’s Position
Russia accused Britain of supporting what its embassy called Ukraine’s “terrorist machinery” and of deliberately escalating the conflict.
Ambassador’s departure
UK and Ukraine’s Position
The UK Foreign Office said the ambassador’s status was a matter for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and said Britain still had an ambassador and embassy in Moscow.
Russia’s Position
Russia said Kelin’s departure did not imply an intention to downgrade diplomatic relations and said he left hoping more constructive dialogue could eventually return if Britain changed its policies.
Reported strikes inside Russia
UK and Ukraine’s Position
The articles report that Ukraine used British-made drones in strikes deep inside Russia, amid Britain’s continued support for Ukraine.
Russia’s Position
Russia warned Britain it would pay a price over the reported attacks and said the deeper Britain became involved, the higher that price would be.
- Ambassador
- Andrey Kelin served as Russia’s ambassador to the UK for more than seven years.
- Departure
- Kelin left his diplomatic post on July 21.
- Successor
- Moscow had not submitted a candidate to replace him.
- Interim leadership
- The Russian Embassy in London is headed by a chargé d’affaires.
- UK position
- The UK said it would continue standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.
- Russian warning
- Russia said Britain would pay a price for its deeper involvement and support for Ukraine.
- Reported strikes
- British-made drones supplied to Ukraine were reportedly used in strikes deep inside Russia.
