Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Russia Expels British Diplomat Over Spying Claims
Russia said a British diplomat was working as a spy.
They told the diplomat to leave the country in two weeks.
The Russian government was very upset and warned that if Britain does something similar, Russia will respond in the same way.
The British diplomat was working at the UK's embassy in Russia.
The Russian security service, FSB, which is like the old KGB, found out about the diplomat's secret work.
The Russian government talked to the British representative in Russia to tell them about this problem.
The UK has not said anything about this yet.
This is not the first time Russia has accused British diplomats of spying.
Last year, Russia expelled two British diplomats for the same reason, but the UK said those charges were not true.
Russia accused a British diplomat of being an undercover spy and ordered their expulsion within two weeks.
The FSB identified the diplomat as working for the UK's intelligence services, but no evidence was provided.
Russia's foreign ministry summoned Britain's Charge d'affaires to protest the situation and deliver the expulsion notice.
A warning was issued that Russia would respond decisively if the UK escalates the situation.
The diplomat's accreditation has been revoked, and they must leave Russia within two weeks.
- Who
- A British diplomat accused of being an undercover spy
- What
- Expulsion from Russia
- When
- Announced on Thursday, January 15
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- Accusations of being an undeclared British intelligence officer
Russia
United Kingdom
Diplomat's Status
Russia
The diplomat was working for British intelligence and must leave within two weeks.
United Kingdom
No immediate reaction or confirmation from the British government.
Evidence Provided
Russia
No evidence was provided by Russia to support the spying allegations.
United Kingdom
The UK previously called similar charges 'malicious and baseless.'
Response to Escalation
Russia
Russia warned it would respond in kind to any action taken by London.
United Kingdom
No statement from the UK on how it would respond to the expulsion.
- Diplomat's Status
- Accreditation revoked, must leave within two weeks
- Accusing Authority
- Russian Foreign Ministry and FSB
- British Response
- No immediate reaction from the British government
- Russian Warning
- Decisive 'mirror' response if situation escalates
- Spy Agency Involved
- UK's intelligence services
- Previous Incidents
- Russia expelled two British diplomats in March 2025 over spying allegations
- UK's Stance on Previous Charges
- Called the charges 'malicious and baseless'
Sources
Russia expels British diplomat for spying
Russia To Expel UK Diplomat Accused Of Being Undercover Spy
Russia expels British diplomat it accuses of spying
Russia orders British diplomat to leave over spying allegations
British Diplomat Expelled From Moscow Embassy Over Spying Claims
Russia expels British diplomat for suspected spying
UK weighs response after Russia expels British diplomat
Russia expels British diplomat over spying allegations
Russia expels British diplomat for alleged spying, London mulling response
