The United Kingdom will expel Russia’s defense attaché, deprive some real estate assets related to the Russian Federation of their diplomatic status and limit the validity of Russian diplomatic visas, Reuters reported on May 8.
British Home Secretary James Cleverly characterized the action as a reaction to Russia's "malign activity" in Britain and Europe. Speaking in parliament, Cleverly labeled the Russian attaché as an "undeclared military intelligence officer."
On May 6, Russia officially issued a threat to the United Kingdom, targeting "military targets" in London in retaliation to Ukrainian strikes using British weaponry on Russian soil. The British ambassador was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where "catastrophic consequences" were warned and a plea to "reconsider actions" was made.