Russia Expels British Diplomat Amid Espionage Allegations: What You Need to Know

In a significant diplomatic move, Russia has expelled a British diplomat, Gareth Samuel Davies, after the FSB linked him to UK intelligence activities. This action has heightened tensions between Russia and the UK, with the Russian Foreign Ministry asserting a zero-tolerance policy towards foreign espionage. The UK’s Charge d'Affaires, Danae Dholakia, was summoned to address the situation, and Russia has warned of potential retaliatory measures if the UK escalates the matter. This incident follows a history of similar expulsions, indicating ongoing strains in diplomatic relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 16:29 IST

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Russia Acts Against UK

Moscow: On Thursday, Russia took decisive action by expelling a British diplomat accused of espionage, following an investigation by the Federal Security Service (FSB) that linked him to UK intelligence.

The FSB identified Gareth Samuel Davies, a secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, as an operative for British secret services.

In response, Danae Dholakia, the UK's Charge d'Affaires in Moscow, was summoned to express formal discontent and demand that the alleged spy leave Russia within a fortnight.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized, "Moscow will not accept the presence of undeclared agents from British intelligence on its soil."

The ministry reiterated its strict stance on national security, stating that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy.

Dholakia was called to Smolenskaya Square, where she was informed that Russian authorities had gathered evidence suggesting that one of the embassy's staff was connected to British intelligence.

"Consequently, and in line with Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, this individual's accreditation is revoked, and he must exit the Russian Federation within two weeks," the ministry declared.

The Foreign Ministry also issued a warning regarding potential retaliatory measures, indicating that Russia would respond symmetrically if the UK escalates the situation following the revelation of the British intelligence officer's activities.

"A caution has been issued that should London choose to escalate matters, the Russian side will respond accordingly," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.

In a related context, Russia expelled two British diplomats in 2025, with state-run TASS reporting that the FSB had stripped their accreditation due to indications of intelligence operations.