UK Takes Reciprocal Action Against Russian Diplomat
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced on February 2, 2026, that it had summoned the Russian Ambassador, Andrey Kelin, to formally revoke the accreditation of a Russian diplomat. This action was taken as a direct reciprocal measure following Russia's expulsion of a British diplomat last month.
During the meeting, a senior FCDO official conveyed the UK's strong condemnation of Russia's 'unprovoked and unjustified decision' to expel the British diplomat and its 'baseless accusations' against UK staff. The FCDO emphasized that the UK 'will not stand for intimidation of British Embassy staff' and that the reciprocal action was intended to signal this stance.
Context of Prior Russian Expulsion
The UK's move comes after Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) accused a member of the British embassy staff in Moscow of working for British intelligence in January 2026, ordering their departure within two weeks. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it would 'not tolerate the work of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia'. However, Moscow did not provide evidence to support these allegations.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
This latest exchange of diplomatic expulsions underscores the severely strained relations between the United Kingdom and Russia. Diplomatic ties have deteriorated significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to multiple rounds of mutual expulsions. For instance, the Kremlin previously expelled two British diplomats in March 2025, also over spying allegations, which the UK similarly dismissed as false.
The UK has issued a warning against any further escalatory actions by Moscow. An FCDO spokesperson stated, 'It is deeply disappointing that Russia continually seeks to disrupt the work of the UK's diplomatic missions and deter our support for Ukraine,' adding that 'any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly.'
6 Comments
Donatello
About time we matched their energy. Don't back down!
Leonardo
While the UK's need to respond to Russia's initial expulsion is understandable, this cycle of reciprocal actions seems to deepen animosity without offering a clear path to improved relations. It feels more like a symbolic gesture than effective diplomacy.
Michelangelo
This tit-for-tat is pointless. It just escalates tensions further without solving anything.
Raphael
Good, finally some strong action against Russian aggression! We can't let them push us around.
Donatello
One could argue that not responding would show weakness, so the UK's action makes sense from a diplomatic standpoint. Yet, the continuous escalation without a visible end goal raises concerns about the long-term impact on global stability.
ZmeeLove
Excellent move. Standing firm is crucial in these tense times.