Britain expels Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's March expulsion

The United Kingdom has expelled a Russian diplomat in a reciprocal move following Moscow's expulsion of a British embassy employee last month. Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced Wednesday that it had summoned Russian Ambassador Andrei Kelin to inform him of the decision to revoke the accreditation of an unnamed Russian diplomat.

The expulsion comes after Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on March 30 the removal of a British diplomat from the embassy in Moscow, accusing the official of belonging to British intelligence services. London denied the accusation at the time.

Britain's government characterized Russia's actions as "unjustified" and condemned what it described as a "malicious public smear campaign" that followed the March expulsion. A government spokesperson stated in a statement that the behavior was "wholly unacceptable" and that Britain would "not tolerate harassment or intimidation of our diplomatic staff."

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said Russia's actions were "designed to disrupt our diplomatic work and form part of a wider campaign of aggressive behavior toward the U.K." Officials noted that the expulsions represent part of broader tensions between the two nations.

The tit-for-tat diplomatic action occurs amid rising tensions between Britain and Russia in other areas. Britain has accused Russian submarines and undersea naval units of operating in and around British waters in recent weeks, according to officials.

Diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia have been strained since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Since that time, both countries have expelled several officials in successive retaliatory measures.

There was no immediate response from Russia to Wednesday's announcement of the diplomat's expulsion.