Russia expels six U.K. diplomats as tensions rise over Ukraine missiles
Russia’s FSB security service said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying and sabotage work.
Russia’s FSB security service said on Friday it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow after accusing them of spying and sabotage work, signaling the Kremlin’s anger at what it sees as London’s vital role in helping Ukraine.
Britain described the accusations as “completely baseless,” saying it was a tit-for-tat action after the U.K. expelled the Russian defense attache and removed diplomatic status from several Russian properties in May.
Russia announced the expulsions hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, a crucial step towards winning the go-ahead for Kyiv to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia.
The United States is “committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russia’s onslaught of aggression,” Biden told Starmer.
Neither Biden nor Starmer addressed long-range missiles in brief comments in front of reporters. The White House earlier said no announcement of any new policy on Ukraine was planned.
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