Diplomatic Tensions: Russia Expels British Diplomat Amid Spy Allegations

Russia expelled a British diplomat, Gareth Samuel Davies, accusing him of spying, which the UK calls unfounded. The action raises tensions amid already strained relations over Ukraine. Both nations have charged each other with espionage efforts reminiscent of Cold War levels, exacerbating diplomatic difficulties.

Russia has expelled a British diplomat it claims was working as an undeclared spy. The British government has dismissed these allegations as 'malicious and baseless,' warning that they undermine essential diplomatic operations. The expelled diplomat, Gareth Samuel Davies, was a second secretary at the Moscow embassy.

The Russian foreign ministry has given Davies two weeks to leave the country and summoned Britain's charge d'affaires, Danae Dholakia, for a formal protest. Moscow has warned against any escalation by London, indicating that such moves would be met with a 'mirror' response.

As tensions heighten amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, accusations of espionage have become increasingly common between Russia and Western nations, including claims of cyber attacks and intelligence-gathering operations by both sides.

(With inputs from agencies.)