Russia Withdraws Ambassador From UK Amid Ukraine Tensions

Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom without naming a successor, marking a significant downgrade in diplomatic relations between Moscow and London amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Andrey Kelin, who served as Russia’s envoy in London for more than seven years, left his post on July 21, 2026. The Kremlin has not put forward any candidates to replace him, and embassy staff have no indication of when a successor might be appointed.

The move was first reported by The Times of London, which described it as an attempt by Moscow to pressure Britain to reconsider its support for Ukraine. A Russian embassy statement confirmed Kelin’s departure but insisted the action did not imply a formal downgrade of diplomatic ties. Instead, the embassy blamed London for the deterioration of relations, stating they had “deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level entirely on London’s initiative.”

Kelin’s exit was announced internally on June 11 at an embassy gathering marking Russia Day. On the same day in Moscow, Britain’s ambassador Nigel Casey, along with French and German counterparts, met with Russia’s deputy foreign minister to condemn the Kremlin’s aggression...