Downing Street denies Russian claims expelled UK diplomat a spy

Downing Street has rejected claims that a British diplomat who was kicked out of Russia was involved in espionage.

Russian state-controlled news outlets have reported that the country's security agency, the FSB, has accused a diplomat—whose image was featured in Russian television reports—of presenting false information on his paperwork and engaging in espionage.

When inquired about the possibility of a reciprocal expulsion, a spokesperson from No 10 stated that they were "evaluating" their course of action.

"To clarify, we deny these claims," he stated, describing them as "unfounded."

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, announced that the ministry has called in the British ambassador, according to a report from the Tass news agency.

A video captures the British ambassador’s vehicle arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow.

As reported by Tass, the FSB has stated that the diplomat was brought in to take the place of one of six British diplomats who were expelled in August over allegations of espionage.

"This isn't the first instance where [Vladimir] Putin's administration has falsely and maliciously targeted our team with unfounded claims," Downing Street stated.

The UK government stands firm in its commitment to safeguard our national interests and will take appropriate action in due time. Meanwhile, our embassy in Moscow will keep playing a crucial role in promoting UK priorities in Russia.

This comes at a time of deteriorating ties between the UK and Russia following Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Last week, it was revealed that the UK has removed limitations on Ukraine using British-provided Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets within Russia for the first time.

President Vladimir Putin pointed to this action, along with the recent use of US-provided long-range missiles targeting Russian land, as the reasons for Russia's choice to fire a new hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday.

Since the war started, the removal of diplomats has become more frequent.

Earlier this year, British diplomat Capt Adrian Coghill was instructed to exit Russia within a week, following the expulsion of the Russian defense attaché from London due to accusations of espionage as an "undisclosed military intelligence officer."

Additional British politicians and media representatives have also been prohibited from entering the country.

On Tuesday, Russia added 30 more individuals to their "stop list," which is designated for those it labels as engaging in "hostile actions."

The list features Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Russia has previously prohibited British lawmakers and reporters, including those from the BBC, Sky News, and Channel 4.

In 2022, the authorities imposed bans on several high-ranking government officials, including the current Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Minister David Lammy. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, was also banned during that year.