- A British diplomat has been ordered to leave Russia within two weeks after being accused of spying by Moscow's intelligence service, the FSB.
- The FSB claimed the diplomat, a second secretary at the UK's Moscow embassy, was carrying out 'intelligence and subversive activities' and sought sensitive information about the Russian economy.
- This expulsion follows an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer that British commandos will intercept Russia’s 'shadow fleet' vessels in UK waters.
- The UK plans to join northern European allies in halting these tankers, which illicitly ship oil and goods to evade Western sanctions imposed since the invasion of Ukraine.
- British forces have previously assisted in the seizure of Russian-flagged vessels, including the Marinera in January, which was captured by US forces with RAF and RFA Tideforce support.
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