UK to revoke accreditation of Russian diplomat after expulsion of its representative from Moscow

The United Kingdom has revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat in London after Russia expelled a UK diplomat, accusing him of espionage.

Source: UK government, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The decision was taken in response to Russia's move on 30 March to accuse a UK diplomat of espionage and expel him from the country.

London again condemned the expulsion, calling it part of a "smear campaign".

"We strongly condemn Russia's unjustified decision last month to expel another British diplomat and the malicious public smear campaign that followed. This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and we will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of our diplomatic staff," the UK government said.

It added that further unprovoked and unjustified actions by Russia against UK diplomats will be treated as an escalation and will be met with proportionate responses.

Background:

• In January, Russia announced the expulsion of a British diplomat whom it described as an undeclared UK intelligence officer and accused of espionage.
• The UK Foreign Office called Russia's allegations "baseless", stating that the expulsion was "unjustified and unfounded".
• In response, the United Kingdom expelled a Russian diplomat.

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