UPDATE 1-UK expels Russian diplomat in tit-for-tat over spying accusations

"Summoning the Russian Ambassador, a senior FCDO official made it clear that the UK will not stand for intimidation of British Embassy staff ⁠and ‌so we ⁠are taking reciprocal action today, revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat," the spokesperson ‍said. Amid the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West have repeatedly ​accused each other of unfurling espionage campaigns of an intensity not ⁠seen since the depths of the Cold War, while western diplomats in ⁠Moscow say they are subject to intrusive surveillance and harassment.

Britain said on Monday it had expelled a ‌Russian diplomat after summoning the country's ambassador in what it said was a reciprocal move ⁠after Moscow last month expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of being an undeclared spy.

Russia's accusations were "baseless" and the expulsion was "unprovoked and ​unjustified", a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office (FCDO) said in a ‍statement on Monday. "Summoning the Russian Ambassador, a senior FCDO official made it clear that the UK will not stand for intimidation of British Embassy staff ⁠and ‌so we ⁠are taking reciprocal action today, revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat," the spokesperson ‍said.

Amid the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West have repeatedly ​accused each other of unfurling espionage campaigns of an intensity not ⁠seen since the depths of the Cold War, while western diplomats in ⁠Moscow say they are subject to intrusive surveillance and harassment. Britain warned Russia against pursuing this course against its diplomats.

"Any further action ⁠taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to ⁠accordingly," the ‌spokesperson added. The Russian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.