Russia kicks out British diplomat Moscow accused of spying

Russia has kicked out a British diplomat that Moscow has accused of spying.

The diplomat had his accreditation revoked and was told to leave the country within two weeks.

The FSB, Russia's security service, claimed the British diplomat "provided false information about himself".

Moscow also accused him of attempting to gather information about the Russian economy during informal meetings.

The FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said it had detected an "undeclared intelligence presence".

It added the diplomat was "carrying out intelligence and subversive activities that threaten the security of the Russian Federation", according to Russian media reports.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Affairs said Danae Dholakia, the British Chargé d'Affaires in Russia, was summoned over the claims that a diplomat had "knowingly provided false information about himself when applying for entry into our country".

The statement read: "Russian authorities also received information indicating that this employee belonged to the British intelligence services and identified evidence of his involvement in subversive intelligence work in our country."

It continued: "The British side was informed that previously uncovered instances of some British diplomats deliberately providing false information about themselves had already prompted our harsh response.

"They were also urged to convey to London a strong recommendation that British citizens, especially embassy staff, provide only accurate information about their past when applying for visas.

"It was particularly emphasized that Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia, and our uncompromising position on this issue will continue to be formulated in accordance with national security interests.

"Furthermore, a warning was issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will immediately respond accordingly."

Russian state media published a photograph of the diplomat accused of attempting to obtain information.

"In order to avoid negative consequences, including criminal liability, the FSB of Russia recommends that compatriots refrain from holding meetings with British diplomats," the FSB said.

Britain dismissed the claims as "complete nonsense" and accused Russia of an "aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment".

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "The accusations made today by Russia against our diplomats are complete nonsense.

"Russia has pursued an increasingly aggressive and co-ordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats, pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work.

"The UK does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families."

Read more from Sky News:
Trump says he wants Iran's oil and could seize key island
Fugitive accused of killing two police officers 'shot dead'

When a British diplomat was expelled in January for spying, London branded the claims "baseless accusations".

Western diplomats in Moscow say intrusive surveillance and harassment are frequent, and a guide known as "Moscow Rules", developed by Western spies in the Soviet era to guard against complacency, has been updated for modern Russia.

Russia has imposed Soviet-style restrictions on most British diplomats, requiring them to give notice of plans to travel beyond a 75-mile radius.

(c) Sky News 2026: Russia kicks out British diplomat Moscow accused of spying