Britain to expel Russian envoy after ‘malign activity’, home secretary says
Russia’s defence attache is an “undeclared military intelligence officer” who will be expelled from Britain amid an escalation of sanctions, the home secretary said yesterday.
James Cleverly also announced the removal of diplomatic status for several Russian diplomatic premises and told MPs the moves were a response to a pattern of “malign activity” across Britain and Europe.
The defence attache, named as Colonel Maxim Elovik, appears to have been in Britain since at least 2014 and has been pictured at wreathlaying ceremonies commemorating Russians killed in war.
It is the first time the UK has ejected a Russian defence attache since the end of the cold war.
The announcement came after Conservatives called for further sanctions against Putin’s aides and allies, saying they were failing to hamper Russia’s economy or the activity of its agents.
Last month a Briton was charged over alleged hostile state activity intended to benefit Russia, including by allegedly recruiting others for an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London.
Cleverly told the Commons: “Today, I am announcing a package of measures to make clear to Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations. I can tell the house that we will expel the Russian defence attache, who is an undeclared military intelligence officer.
“We will remove diplomatic premises status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath house, a Russian-owned property in Sussex, and the trade and defence section in Highgate [London], which we believe have been used for intelligence purposes. We are imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including capping the length of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.”
Moscow would make accusations of Russophobia and spread conspiracy theories in response, Cleverly said, adding: “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.”
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said Labour supported the measures against Russia and would maintain support for Ukraine.