The Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, has been summoned to the Foreign Office (FCDO), the information in this regard was posted on the FCDO, APA reports.
The official statement noted that the move is part of a major package of measures to tighten defences against alleged malign activity by Russia across the UK and Europe.
The plan also includes expelling the Russian defence attaché, an undeclared military intelligence officer, removing diplomatic premises status from several Russian properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath – a Russia-owned property in Sussex – and the Trade and Defence Section in Highgate, which are believed to have been used for intelligence purposes, impose new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including capping the length of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.
"The UK has today summoned the Russian Ambassador to replay these measures and to reiterate that Russia’s actions will not be tolerated. These actions, the latest in a string of robust measures taken against Russia to protect the UK, follow a pattern of malign activity carried out both here and abroad in the past year, which is believed to be linked to Russia. That includes 5 Bulgarian nationals charged with conspiring to commit espionage activities in the UK on behalf of Russia. A sixth individual was later charged and legal proceedings for all are ongoing", the statement reads.
