Russia expels British diplomat on charges of espionage, photo shown on Russian TV channels
Russia on Tuesday expelled a British diplomat over allegations of spying as tensions soar over the conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement, Russia’s Federal Security Service, said the diplomat, identified as Edward Pryor Wilkes, had provided false personal data while seeking permission to enter the country.
The security agency alleged that he has worked for British intelligence under diplomatic cover, replacing one of the six British diplomats who were expelled from Russia in August. The FSB alleged that Wilkes was involved in intelligence and subversive activities that threatened the security of the Russian Federation.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wilkes has been ordered to leave the country within two weeks.
The British ambassador was summoned by the foreign ministry to hand over the notice
This is the seventh British diplomat in four months to be accused of espionage. Earlier six diplomats worked in the “political department” of the British Embassy in Moscow. Meanwhile, Britain rejected Russia’s allegations.
Ukraine attacked Russia twice with US missiles in the last three days
Ukraine has attacked Russia twice with US-made ATACMS missiles in the last three days. Moscow has said that it is “preparing to retaliate.”
The Defense Ministry said, “According to confirmed data, in the last three days the Ukrainian Armed Forces have carried out two attacks with long-range Western weapons on targets in the Kursk region.”
Ukraine fired five ATACMS last Saturday targeting the S-400 anti-aircraft system in the Lotarivka area, 37 km northwest of Kursk. It said, “Two reached their targets.”
Ukraine carried out another attack with eight ATACMS on the Kursk-Vostochny airfield on Monday. “The Russian Defense Ministry is monitoring the situation and response actions are being prepared,” it said.
