Russian security services claim the diplomat “deliberately provided false information” when obtaining permission to enter Russia, allegedly violating Russian law.
The FSB also said it had identified signs of espionage but, as is customary, provided no evidence.
The British diplomat has been “ordered to leave Russia within two weeks,” the press release said.
The U.K. Foreign Office has not yet responded to the FSB’s statement.
On March 26, British Defense Secretary John Healey said the country, together with allies, plans to increase pressure on Russia, including by targeting its shadow fleet to limit funding for the war against Ukraine.
On March 25, it was reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had authorized the military to detain tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet to curb oil revenues and war financing.
British forces are already preparing to seize such vessels, and their owners and crews could face criminal charges for sanctions violations.
On March 21, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine, together with European countries, is working on legislative changes to enable not only stopping shadow fleet vessels but also blocking them and confiscating their oil.
On March 10, 2025, the FSB accused two British diplomats of “intelligence and subversive activities.” They were forced to leave Russia within two weeks.