In a significant diplomatic move, Russia announced on Tuesday the expulsion of British diplomat Wilkes Edward Prior, accusing him of espionage activities. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that Prior deliberately provided false information upon his entry into the country and engaged in intelligence and subversive work that poses a threat to the security of the Russian Federation.
This latest expulsion marks Prior as the sixth UK diplomat ousted by Russia this year on similar charges. In response, Russia has summoned the UK ambassador to the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow to address the matter.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has yet to comment on the expulsion. The ongoing exchange of diplomats between London and Moscow underscores the strained relations and mutual suspicions that have characterized their interactions in recent years.
Both nations have a history of expelling each other's diplomats amidst espionage allegations, contributing to the tense atmosphere in international diplomacy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
