Russia Expels British Diplomats Amid Western Allies’ Discussions on Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine

By Andrew Osborn

Russia’s FSB security service announced on Friday that it has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of espionage and sabotage, further reflecting the Kremlin’s frustration with what it perceives to be London’s significant role in supporting Ukraine.

In response, Britain dismissed the allegations as "completely baseless," asserting that the expulsions were retaliatory measures following the UK’s earlier expulsion of a Russian defense attaché and the downgrading of diplomatic status for several Russian properties in May.

The Russian action came just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, which was seen as a crucial discussion towards potentially allowing Ukraine to employ long-range missiles against targets in Russia.

Biden reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to assist Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, stating, "We are committed to standing with you." However, neither leader addressed the specific matter of long-range missile use in front of reporters. The White House had previously indicated that no new policy announcement regarding Ukraine was forthcoming.

Starmer emphasized the importance of support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict, describing what he sees as a critical period ahead.

President Vladimir Putin warned that if the West permits Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-supplied long-range missiles, it would signify a direct confrontation with Russia, fundamentally altering the conflict’s dynamics.

The Kremlin stated that Putin had conveyed a clear message to the West, which they believe has been received.

The United States and the UK have recently expressed concern over Iran’s reported transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine, considering it a troubling escalation that has prompted rapid discussions regarding Ukraine’s long-range missile capabilities.

The FSB, which succeeded the Soviet-era KGB, claimed it had evidence showing that a British foreign office division in London was coordinating efforts to escalate the military and political situation, aimed at ensuring Russia’s defeat in the Ukraine conflict.

"In light of these findings, the activities of British diplomats in Moscow pose a threat to the security of the Russian Federation," the FSB stated. As a result, their accreditation was revoked based on these allegations.

British officials maintained that the Russian claims against their diplomats are unfounded. A spokesperson from the British Foreign Office reiterated their commitment to protecting national interests.

The expulsion of the British diplomats intensified the already fraught relations between the UK and Russia, coinciding with Starmer’s arrival in Washington to facilitate further discussions regarding the use of Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles—capable of reaching over 250 kilometers—inside Russia.

Sources indicate that this meeting was part of ongoing talks to allow Ukraine access to long-range missiles, a demand pushed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for several months. An upcoming decision could potentially align with the United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for late September.

White House officials, however, downplayed the prospects of any shifts in U.S. policy regarding missile provisions, indicating that no major announcements were expected from the Biden-Starmer discussions.

Following the FSB’s actions, state media in Russia identified the six UK diplomats and showcased surveillance footage, alleging that British personnel had conducted intelligence-related activities within the country. An FSB official suggested that if other British diplomats were found engaging in similar behaviors, they would also face expulsion.

Claims made by the FSB included allegations of British diplomats recruiting Russian teenagers and instigating provocations, as well as holding talks with opposition figures. They accused UK diplomats of working with Russian activists to stir social divisions and suggested ties between these individuals and the UK’s foreign intelligence service.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the British embassy’s actions in Moscow had exceeded acceptable diplomatic norms. She emphasized that the issue transcended mere procedural violations, framing it instead as subversive actions aimed at undermining Russia.