Russia Expels Two British Diplomats Amid Espionage Allegations

On March 10, 2025, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the expulsion of two British diplomats from the British Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage activities that threatened national security. The diplomats were given two weeks to leave the country. The British Foreign Office dismissed the allegations as "malicious and baseless."

The FSB alleged that the diplomats had provided false information to obtain entry into Russia and were involved in intelligence and subversive activities. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned a British embassy representative to express a "strong protest" and stated that "Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on Russian territory."

This expulsion is the latest in a series of diplomatic actions between Russia and the United Kingdom, reflecting escalating tensions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In September 2024, Russia expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage. In November 2024, another British diplomat was expelled on similar grounds. In February 2025, the UK expelled a Russian diplomat in retaliation.

The expulsion of diplomats has been a recurring aspect of Russia-UK relations. In 2018, following the poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, the UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats. Russia responded by expelling an equal number of British diplomats. In 1971, under Operation FOOT, the UK expelled 105 Soviet officials, marking the largest expulsion of intelligence officials by any government in history.

The expulsion of diplomats can have several implications. Such actions often lead to a deterioration in bilateral relations, making diplomatic dialogue more challenging. These expulsions may influence the UK's relations with other nations, particularly those allied with Russia. Repeated expulsions can affect public opinion, potentially leading to increased nationalism or distrust towards the other nation.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations outlines the framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries, including the privileges and immunities of diplomatic missions. While it allows for the declaration of diplomats as persona non grata, such actions are typically reserved for serious breaches of conduct.

This expulsion underscores the ongoing strain in Russia-UK relations and highlights the broader implications for international diplomacy.