Moscow, Sep 13 (V7N)- Russia has expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage and sabotage, further escalating tensions between Moscow and the West over the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The Russian intelligence agency, FSB, announced on Friday that the diplomats' accreditation had been revoked, with claims that they were involved in activities aimed at escalating the conflict.

This move follows allegations by the Kremlin that the UK played a pivotal role in enabling Ukraine to carry out attacks within Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles. The FSB stated they had gathered evidence indicating that a faction within the UK Foreign Office was working to ensure Russia's strategic defeat in the conflict.

In response, the British government strongly denied the accusations, dismissing them as "totally baseless." The UK government suggested the expulsions were retaliatory, noting that back in May, Britain had revoked the diplomatic status of Russia’s defense attaché and seized Russian properties. The UK Foreign Office reaffirmed its stance, stating that they remain firm in defending their national interests.

The announcement came just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington. The talks were widely viewed as a significant step in coordinating Western support for Ukraine, particularly in allowing the country to use long-range missiles against Russian targets.

Russian state television broadcast the names and photographs of the six expelled diplomats, with leaked secret video footage also circulating in Russian media. The FSB warned that other British diplomats would be expelled if found engaging in similar activities.

This diplomatic standoff highlights the intensifying strain between Russia and Western nations as the Ukraine conflict continues, with both sides trading accusations of covert actions and interference.

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