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Russia withdraws ambassador from UK amid Ukraine war tensions
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Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, who left his post on July 21 after seven years, and has not submitted any replacement to the Foreign Office. The move escalates tensions over Britain's role in the Ukraine war, following Moscow's outrage at the confirmed use of British drones by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia. The Russian embassy in London warned Britain would face 'consequences,' while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed full support for Ukraine, stating the UK is not a 'fair weather friend.' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov threatened to regard British missile involvement in strikes as participation in the war, with all resulting consequences. Embassy staff have no clear timeline for filling the ambassador role, raising fears of a diplomatic communication breakdown. The Kremlin has previously threatened to downgrade relations with the UK over its support for Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.
Source report
Moscow has recalled its ambassador to the United Kingdom, raising fears of a diplomatic breakdown between the two nations.
Andrei Kelin, who served as Russia's ambassador in London for seven years, left his post on July 21. The Kremlin has not submitted any names to the Foreign Office as potential replacements, according to The Times.
Embassy staff reportedly have no clear timeline for when the role might be filled, sparking concerns over a communication breakdown between the UK and Russia.
Background to the Diplomatic Rift
The withdrawal follows Moscow's outrage after it was confirmed that British drones had been used by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
The Russian embassy in London subsequently warned that Britain would face "consequences," though the UK government reaffirmed its support for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the UK is not a "fair weather friend" and supports "Ukraine 100%."
Russian Reactions
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy claimed Kelin had made "considerable efforts to preserve contacts and channels of communication" with Britain, and accused Downing Street of choosing a "path of confrontation" with Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the media:
"I feel sorry for the United Kingdom, if it is going to stand with Ukraine until the very end."
He added:
"As for the substance of our Embassy's comment, it means only one thing: President Vladimir Putin has warned of our right to act in any area of the world's oceans, should anyone encroach on our interests or our property."
Lavrov continued:
"We have exactly the same right to regard the proudly announced direct involvement of British missile forces in strikes against the Russian Federation as participation in the war. With all the consequences that entails."
Unclear Reasons for Departure
The reason for Kelin's departure from the role remains unclear.
Russia has previously threatened to downgrade its relationship with the UK over Britain's support for Ukraine following Putin's illegal invasion in 2022.
As Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated in June 2024:
"The issue of lowering the level of diplomatic relations is a standard practice for states that face unfriendly or hostile manifestations."
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Part of this Story
Russia Threatens UK Retaliation Over British Drones Used in Ukraine Strikes