Russia has ordered the expulsion of a British diplomat, Edward Wilkes, accusing him of espionage. The UK government has dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” further straining the already tense relations between Moscow and London due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Wilkes entered the country with false information and was operating as a British intelligence officer under diplomatic cover. The FSB stated that Wilkes, holding the position of second secretary, was involved in activities deemed a threat to Russia’s national security.
“The Russian FSB has identified signs of intelligence and subversive work by the said diplomat that threatens the security of the Russian Federation,” the agency said in a statement, which was accompanied by a photo of Wilkes and widely circulated in Russian media.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, confirmed that Wilkes’ accreditation had been revoked, and he was ordered to leave within two weeks. The ministry also summoned British Ambassador to Moscow, Nigel Casey, to discuss the issue further.
Moscow has warned that it will adopt a firm stance against any undeclared British intelligence operations. “In addition, if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will immediately give a ‘mirror’ response,” the Russian foreign ministry stated.
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the UK government’s rejection of the accusations, labeling them “baseless.” When questioned about the potential expulsion of a Russian diplomat in retaliation, the spokesperson mentioned that the government was “considering” its response.
This incident follows the expulsion of six British diplomats from Russia in September, who were also accused of espionage, which the UK government strongly denied.
