In a bold move aimed at counteracting espionage and malign activities, the UK has announced the expulsion of a Russian defence attaché, identified as Colonel Maxim Elovik, for spying. The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, laid out a series of stringent measures, declaring that the UK would not tolerate the apparent escalations of Russian intelligence operations within its borders.
The expulsion of Colonel Elovik, an undeclared military intelligence officer, is part of a broader package of actions which includes closing several Russian diplomatic premises and imposing new constraints on diplomatic visas. The decision to declare Colonel Elovik persona non grata is a significant development in the UK’s efforts to dismantle Russian intelligence-gathering operations on its soil.
James Cleverly was forthright in his address to Parliament, stating, “I can tell the House that we will expel the Russian defence attaché, who is an undeclared military intelligence officer.” These tougher measures constitute the latest response to what the Home Office describes as a “pattern of alleged Russian malign activity across the UK and Europe.”
In anticipation of retaliatory claims from Moscow, the Home Secretary predicted that accusations of Russophobia, along with conspiracy theories and hysteria, would be deployed as a defence. “This is not new and the British people and the British Government will not fall for it, and will not be taken for fools by Putin’s bots, trolls and lackeys,” he added.
Furthermore, several Russian-owned properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath house in Sussex and the trade and defence section in Highgate, will have their diplomatic status removed based on the belief that they have been used for intelligence purposes.
The Russian Embassy in London, responding to the restrictions imposed under what it called a “groundless and ridiculous pretext,” promised an “appropriate response,” as reported by Russian state news agency TASS. In the face of these tensions, Mr. Cleverly emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication with Russia to prevent escalation and misunderstanding.
Relevant articles:
– UK to expel Russian defence attaché, an undeclared military intelligence officer, for spying, bbc.com, 05/09/2024
– UK boots out Russian diplomat, brands him a spy, POLITICO Europe, 05/08/2024
– Britain to expel Russian attaché in response to ‘reckless and dangerous activities’ by Moscow, The Associated Press, 05/08/2024
– UK expels Russian diplomat suspected of spying, moves to ‘dismantle intelligence gathering operations’, The Record from Recorded Future News, 05/08/2024
– UK to expel diplomat Russia diplomat over accusations of espionage, JURIST, 05/08/2024