Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on Friday announced that the accreditation of six British diplomats had been withdrawn, accusing them of espionage and "threatening Russia's security."
"As a measure of reprisals to the multiple unfriendly acts of London, the Russian Foreign Ministry... has withdrawn the accreditation of six employees from the political department of the British Embassy in Moscow," the law enforcement agency said.
The FSB accused the diplomats of "subversive activities and intelligence" gathering, adding that it had evidence confirming London's "coordination of an escalation in the international political and military situation."
Law enforcement officials also said the British Foreign Office's Eastern Europe and Central Asia department was coordinating activities to inflict a "strategic defeat" against Russia.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said her ministry agreed with the FSB's "assessment of the activities of these so-called British diplomats," alleging that "the British embassy has largely flouted the limits set by the Vienna Convention."
Russian state television showed images of the six diplomats, identifying them by name. It also aired footage claiming to show them leaving the country.
The British government rejected out of hand that six of its diplomats in Moscow were spies, calling the Russian accusations "completely baseless."
The Foreign Office in London indicated that it was a tit-for-tat measure after Western moves against "Russian state-directed activity across Europe and in the U.K."
"We are unapologetic about protecting our national interests," a statement read.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
