Russia30 March, 20261 min read
Russia Expels British Diplomat Janse Van Rensburg Over Spy Allegations
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FSB revoked accreditation and ordered the British diplomat to depart within two weeks. Russia alleges the diplomat engaged in espionage and was linked to British intelligence.
Diplomat Expelled for Alleged Espionage
Russia expelled British diplomat Albertus Gerhardus Janse Van Rensburg, 29. The FSB claimed he intentionally provided false information and sought sensitive economic information. The UK Foreign Office dismissed the accusations as complete nonsense.
UK Summons Chargé d'Affaires
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Britain's charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia. Russia warned the UK not to retaliate. This expulsion is the second by Russia this year.
Tit-for-Tat Expulsions Since Ukraine Invasion
Relations between the UK and Russia have deteriorated since the Ukraine invasion. At least eight British diplomats have been expelled from Moscow since then. The UK revoked accreditation of a Russian diplomat in February 2026.
Historic Espionage Incidents Cloud Relations
The expulsions occur against a historical backdrop of espionage tensions. The 2006 Litvinenko assassination is a notable incident. The 2018 Novichok poisoning of Skripal also shaped relations.