Support The Moscow Times!

Britain Cautions Russia After U.S./UK Citizen Detained for Spying

Zuma / TASS

Britain cautioned Russia on Friday that individual citizens should be not used as pawns in a diplomatic chess game after a dual U.S./UK national was detained in Moscow on espionage charges.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was extremely worried about Paul Whelan, who was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in Moscow last Friday on suspicion of spying.

"Individuals should not be used as pawns of diplomatic leverage (or) being used in diplomatic chess games," Hunt said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this week that the United States had asked Russia to explain Whelan's arrest and would demand his immediate return if it determines his detention is inappropriate.

"We are extremely worried about Paul Whelan, we have offered consular assistance," Hunt said. "The United States are leading on this because he is a British and American citizen."

The FSB has opened a criminal case against Whelan but not given any details of his alleged espionage activities.

Whelan's family has said that he was visiting Moscow for the wedding of a retired Marine and is innocent of the espionage charges against him.

Asked if other Britons in Russia should be concerned about their safety in Russia, Britain's Hunt replied:

"This is something that is under active consideration and we're constantly reviewing our travel advice in all parts of the world.

"If we see the need to make a change then we'll make it."

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

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 you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more