:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/CPOTQHFI544METL7NGDCISYCSI.jpg "The United Kingdom announced the expulsion of the Russian defense attaché: “He is an undeclared military intelligence officer”")
The United Kingdom has announced the expulsion of Russia’s defense attaché, citing “malign activities” by Moscow in the country and across Europe. British Home Secretary James Cleverly revealed the decision to Parliament, stating that the Russian defense attaché, who was identified as an undeclared military intelligence officer, would be asked to leave.
In addition to expelling the defense attaché, the UK government is withdrawing diplomatic status from a number of Russia-linked properties that were allegedly used for intelligence purposes. Among these properties is Seacox Heath, a luxurious 50-room palace used as a weekend retreat for Russian embassy staff.
Further measures include new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, with limitations on the duration that Russian diplomats can spend in the United Kingdom. Cleverly highlighted a broader pattern of Russian malign activities in Europe, including plans for sabotage against military aid to Ukraine, espionage in various countries, cyberattacks, airspace violations, and GPS jamming that impacts civil aviation.
The UK has been imposing sanctions on Russian entities and individuals since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. Cleverly reiterated the Conservative government’s unwavering support for Kyiv. NATO members have also expressed deep concern over recent cyberattacks attributed to Russia, affecting several European countries.
In April, a British man was charged with alleged hostile state activity benefiting Russia, involving recruiting for an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed British accusations as part of an “information war,” calling them absurd.