Russia Expels British Diplomat on Espionage Charges

Russia has expelled a British diplomat from Moscow, accusing him of espionage in a move that underscores deepening tensions between the two nations.

The Russian Federal Security Service announced on Monday that Albertus Gerhardus Janse Van Rensburg, a second secretary at the British embassy, engaged in subversive intelligence activities threatening Russia's security. The FSB stated that Van Rensburg provided false information about himself during his entry application and attempted to collect sensitive data on the Russian economy through informal meetings with experts. As a result, his diplomatic accreditation was revoked, and he was ordered to leave the country within two weeks.

Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned Danae Dholakia, the UK's charge d'affaires and most senior diplomat in Moscow, to address the allegations. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that Moscow would not tolerate undeclared British intelligence officers operating in Russia and warned that any escalation by London would prompt an immediate response.

The British embassy has not issued a public comment on the expulsion. This incident marks the latest in a series of diplomatic expulsions between Russia and...