UK Expels Russian Defense Attaché, Strips Diplomatic Status from Properties: Response to Alleged Russian Intelligence Activities and Malign Acts
The UK government announced on May 8, 2024, that it will expel a Russian defense attache for being an undeclared military intelligence officer and will also remove the diplomatic status of several Russian-owned properties in London and Sussex, suspecting them of being used for intelligence purposes.
New restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including a cap on the length of time they can stay in the UK, will also be implemented.
The UK has announced new measures against Russia due to concerns over increasing "malign" activities on British soil.
These include an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked business allegedly orchestrated by the Kremlin, as well as previous accusations of poisoning Russian ex-agents, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
The UK is a strong NATO supporter of Ukraine and has provided military aid.
The new measures aim to show Russia that such actions will not be tolerated.
The text is about a warning given by an unnamed speaker regarding Moscow's expected response to an announcement.
Moscow is predicted to accuse the speaker and the British government of Russophobia and spread conspiracy theories.
The speaker dismisses this as not new and assures that the British people will not be fooled.
The Russian explanation for their actions is deemed inadequate, and the response from the speaker's side will be resolute and firm.
The message to Russia is clear: stop the illegal war in Ukraine, withdraw troops, and cease malign activities.