Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on Friday revoked the validation of six British diplomats. The FSB claimed the diplomats were coordinating “the implementation of subversive policy.”
The FSB stated that they “received documentary materials confirming London’s coordination of the escalation of the international military situation.” The agency singled out the UK as the “main” unit of subversion against the Russian state. The FSB did not cite specific instances of the “unfriendly” acts it mentions, ending its statement with a warning: “If similar actions are detected among the employees of the British diplomatic mission, the FSB of Russia will demand an early termination of their business trips to the Russian Federation.”
The FSB’s actions came as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During that meeting, Lammy was scheduled to introduce at least £600 million worth of support to Ukraine. He stated:
The UK’s support to Ukraine is unwavering. Our commitment of over £600 million worth of support is the latest installment in our enduring support to Ukraine. This will provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.
Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a multi-year £3 billion military funding package for Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the UK has been one of the defending nation’s largest supporters. Since 2021, it has delivered nearly £12.5 billion in military, humanitarian, and economic support to the defending nation in the form of aid and loans.
The UK has yet to respond to the FSB’s act of revoking the diplomats’ credentials.