United Kingdom: The Russian defence attaché will be dismissed by the British government due to espionage charges, as part of a series of actions aimed at undermining Moscow’s intelligence operatives in the country.
The actions are intended to counter what Home Secretary James Cleverly described as the “reckless and dangerous activities of the Russian government across Europe,” he stated on Wednesday.
The most recent set of actions will result in the dismissal of the attaché, Maxim Elovik, a Russian colonel who was described as a “undeclared military intelligence officer” by the administration. Several Russian-owned properties will also have their diplomatic designation revoked due to suspicions that they were used for intelligence gatherings. Additionally, new limitations will be placed on Russian diplomatic travel and visa authorization.
Cleverly stated in Parliament, “In the coming days we should expect accusations of Russophobia, conspiracy theories, and hysteria from the Russian government. This is nothing new, and neither the British people nor the British government will fall for it, nor will Putin’s trolls, bots, or lackeys take them for fools.”
According to Russian state news agency TASS, the Russian embassy in London responded by claiming that the British sanctions against Russia were based on a “groundless and ridiculous pretext” and that it would provide “an appropriate response.”
The UK and Russia have had a tense relationship for many years. The UK accuses Russian agents of espionage and targeted killings, including hacks against British lawmakers and the leakage and amplification of sensitive information to further Russian goals.
In addition to sanctioning hundreds of affluent Russians, the UK has taken steps to stop money laundering through London’s real estate and financial markets in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The government said that the moves on Wednesday came after criminal cases in London that claimed Russian agents were involved in espionage and sabotage.
It further quoted claims that the Russian government engaged in cyber- and disinformation operations, violated airspace, jammed GPS signals to impede civilian aviation traffic, planned to destroy military aid for Ukraine in Germany and Poland, and conducted espionage in Bulgaria and Italy.
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