Russia Expels British Diplomat Over Spy Accusation, Tensions Rise
January 15, 2026
Russia has expelled a British diplomat after accusing them of spying. The diplomat was not named but was told to leave the country within two weeks. The Russian foreign ministry said this action followed new information linking the diplomat to the British secret service. Danae Dholakia, the British chargée d’affaires, was summoned by Russia's FSB, the domestic intelligence agency, to inform her of the expulsion.
Moscow said it would not "tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia." The foreign ministry warned, "A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive ‘mirror’ response."
Diplomatic expulsions between Russia and the UK have happened frequently since the Ukraine war began. Most recently, in March last year, Russia expelled a UK diplomat and their spouse, calling them spies. The UK replied by expelling a Russian diplomat. Then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Russia of a "relentless and unacceptable campaign of intimidation" against British embassy staff and called Moscow's actions threats to UK security.
The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded. This move adds fresh tension to the already strained relations between the two countries.
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Tags:
British Diplomat
Russia Expels
Spy Accusation
Diplomatic tensions
Uk-Russia Relations
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