Moscow has taken a firm stand against alleged espionage, ordering a British diplomat to leave Russian soil within two weeks. The Federal Security Service (FSB) identified Gareth Samuel Davis, a secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, as working for British intelligence services. This dramatic expulsion comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following a joint US-UK operation seizing a Russian tanker.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Britain’s Charge d’Affaires, Dana Dholakia, to formally protest the incident. Officials emphasized that Moscow will not tolerate undercover activities by British special services on its territory. ‘We maintain a zero-tolerance policy on matters of national security,’ the ministry declared in a strongly worded statement.
The diplomat’s exposure highlights the deep-seated rivalry between the two nations. For decades, mutual expulsions of diplomatic staff on suspicion of spying have been a recurring feature of Russia-UK relations. Russian authorities accuse London of deliberately prolonging hostilities to confront Moscow, a strategy they claim Britain has employed for years.
This latest move follows the US seizure of the Russian tanker Marinerra, also known as Bella-1, with British assistance. Although the vessel carried no oil, the US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced criminal charges against the crew members aboard. Russia has demanded humane treatment for its citizens and their prompt return home, closely monitoring developments.
The incident underscores broader geopolitical frictions, including ongoing US-Venezuela tensions. As diplomatic rows intensify, questions arise about the future of international relations in an era of heightened suspicions and tit-for-tat retaliations. Russia warns that such provocations will face resolute responses to safeguard its sovereignty.