The Russian government has announced the expulsion of two British ‘diplomats’ on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities.
The second secretary of the British embassy in Moscow and the spouse of another British diplomat were stripped of accreditation in Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) reported
The report claimed the diplomats had provided false information about themselves and noted alleged evidence of their intelligence and covert activities.
The FSB said ‘counterintelligence work had revealed an undeclared British intelligence presence under the cover of the national embassy.’
They were accused of ‘intelligence and subversive activities that threaten Russia’s security’, according to state news outlets.
The FSB said they ‘intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, thereby violating Russian law’.
Both were ordered to leave Russia within two weeks.
‘Russia’s FSB will continue working to combat the reconnaissance and disruptive activities of foreign intelligence agencies by all available means,’ the statement adds.
Today’s announcement comes just days after Russia vowed to respond to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat from London.
