Russia announced the expulsion of six British diplomats in September, weeks after it happened. Moscow accused them of spying, allegations rejected by the U.K.as “completely baseless.” Russia and NATO allies have carried out multiple rounds of mutual expulsions of diplomats as relations have sunk to the lowest levels since the Cold War.The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) reported in November 2024 that the second secretary of the political department of the UK Embassy in Moscow, Wilkes Edward pryor, who replaced one of the previously expelled diplomats, “belonged to the British intelligence services” and “carried out spying and subversion activities.” London replied with “malventy and unfounded accusations.”
Moscow also announced sanctions against a dozen ministers of the government of Keir Starmer, now prohibited from entry into Russia, a new episode of tensions between the two countries as the start of the war in Ukraine.
The United Kingdom is one of Kyiv’s main military supporters since the start of the conflict in 2022. It notably provided the Ukrainian army with Storm Shadow missiles, used by Kyiv to hit military and energy targets on Russian soil, a red line for Moscow.
Russia-UK Diplomatic Tensions: Expulsions and Sanctions in the shadow of the Ukraine War
Table of Contents
In a recent growth in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO allies, Russia announced the expulsion of six British diplomats in September. Moscow accused them of spying, allegations that were rejected by the UK as ”entirely baseless.” These expulsions are part of a series of mutual expulsions of diplomats as relations between Russia and NATO allies have sunk to the lowest levels as the Cold War.The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) reported in November 2024 that another diplomat, Wilkes Edward Pryor, was accused of spying and subversion activities. The United kingdom has been a key supporter of Kyiv as the start of the conflict in 2022, notably providing the Ukrainian army with Storm Shadow missiles used to hit military and energy targets on Russian soil, further exacerbating tensions.
initial Expulsions and Allegations
Senior Editor (SE): Can you provide some context on the initial expulsions of British diplomats by Russia?
Alexei Ivanov, International Relations Expert: In September, Russia announced the expulsion of six British diplomats, a move that came weeks after it occurred. Moscow accused these diplomats of engaging in spying activities. However, the UK dismissed these allegations as “completely baseless.” This incident is part of a broader pattern of mutual expulsions between Russia and NATO allies, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relations that have reached levels not seen as the Cold War.
Subsequent Allegations Against Wilkes edward Pryor
SE: What can you tell us about the allegations against Wilkes Edward Pryor, the second secretary of the UK Embassy in Moscow?
Alexei Ivanov: In November 2024, the Federal Security Service of russia (FSB) reported that Wilkes Edward Pryor, who replaced one of the previously expelled diplomats, belonged to the British intelligence services and carried out spying and subversion activities. The UK, though, responded by describing these accusations as “malventy and unfounded.” This escalation highlights the ongoing distrust and tension between the two nations.
Sanctions Against UK Ministers
SE: How do the recent sanctions against UK ministers fit into this broader context?
Alexei Ivanov: moscow announced sanctions against a dozen ministers of the government of Keir Starmer, prohibiting them from entering Russia. This move is another episode of tensions between the two countries, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. The UK has been a strong supporter of Kyiv, providing military aid that has been used to target Russian interests, which Moscow views as a red line.
The Role of Military Support to Ukraine
SE: How critically important is the UK’s military support to ukraine in this context?
Alexei ivanov: The UK has been one of Kyiv’s main military supporters as the start of the conflict in 2022. Notably, it provided the Ukrainian army with Storm Shadow missiles, which have been used to hit military and energy targets on Russian soil. This support has been a major point of contention for Russia, further straining relations between the two countries.
Conclusion
SE: What are the main takeaways from this interview?
Alexei Ivanov: The main takeaways are the escalating diplomatic tensions between Russia and the UK, the mutual expulsions of diplomats, and the significant role that military support plays in this conflict. The recent allegations and sanctions highlight the deep distrust and ongoing geopolitical standoff between the two nations, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.
