Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has expelled six British diplomats from Moscow, accusing them of espionage and sabotage. The FSB claims these diplomats were involved in activities that threaten Russian security and were linked to a British Foreign Office department accused of escalating political and military tensions against Russia.

On Friday, the FSB announced that it had revoked the accreditation of the diplomats, citing evidence of their involvement in spying and sabotage. The agency accused the British Foreign Office department, which oversees Eastern Europe and Central Asia, of coordinating efforts to undermine Russia's strategic position in its conflict with Ukraine.

The FSB's statement outlined that the activities of the expelled diplomats were deemed a security threat to the Russian Federation. Consequently, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working with relevant agencies, decided to end their diplomatic accreditation in response to what it described as unfriendly actions by London.

Russian state television has named the expelled diplomats and aired their photographs. According to the FSB, Russia will consider expelling additional British diplomats if similar activities are detected.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized the British embassy's conduct, accusing it of surpassing diplomatic norms and engaging in activities intended to harm Russia.

Possible Further Diplomatic Measures

The FSB has suggested that Russia may implement additional actions if other British diplomats are found to be engaged in similar activities. This caution highlights the ongoing tension between the two nations, with Russia intensifying its scrutiny of UK diplomatic personnel.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, as reported by state news agency TASS, criticized the British embassy’s conduct. Zakharova claimed that the embassy's activities surpassed acceptable diplomatic practices and were intended to harm the Russian people. She remarked, "The British embassy’s actions in Moscow have exceeded diplomatic norms and are aimed at deliberately inflicting harm on the Russian population."

The British embassy in Moscow has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the FSB’s accusations and the expulsion of its diplomats.

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