Russia has taken retaliatory action against the United Kingdom by declaring their defence attache persona non grata and ordering the diplomat to leave the country within a week. This decision comes after London expelled the Russian defence attache earlier this month on grounds of spying allegations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia issued a statement expressing strong protest against the UK’s decision to expel the Russian attache, deeming it unfriendly and baseless. They condemned the move as politically motivated and damaging to bilateral relations.
The British Embassy in Moscow was summoned to convey the expulsion of the defence attache, A. T. Coghill, who is now required to depart from Russian territory promptly.
UK Secretary of Defence Grant Shapps criticized Russia’s actions, labeling the expulsion of Coghill as a desperate measure. He highlighted the difference in treatment between the Russian and British defence attaches, suggesting that Russia’s move was driven by political motives.
In response to Moscow’s intelligence gathering operations, the UK announced various measures, including the expulsion of a Russian colonel and the revocation of diplomatic status for Russian-owned properties suspected of being used for espionage. Additionally, new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas and visits were imposed.
The UK government cited criminal cases in London involving espionage and sabotage linked to Russia, as well as allegations of sabotage of military aid for Ukraine in Germany and Poland. They also accused Russia of engaging in spying activities in Bulgaria and Italy, along with cyber and disinformation campaigns.
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