UK Takes Strong Measures Against Russia over Suspected Hostile Activity

In response to suspected acts of hostility by Russia, including an alleged arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked business in the UK, the United Kingdom has taken a series of strong measures against Moscow. These measures, announced by UK Interior Minister James Cleverly, include expelling the Russian defense attaché, who the Foreign Office claims is an undeclared military intelligence officer, and removing the special diplomatic status of several Russian-owned properties deemed to have been used for intelligence purposes. Those properties include a building in Highgate, north London, and a mansion in southeast England called Seacox Heath, both owned by the Russian government. The UK government accused Russia of using these locations for intelligence purposes. Five Bulgarian nationals have also been charged in connection with an investigation into alleged offences under the National Security Act, as part of a counterterrorism policing investigation. These alleged offences relate to the suspected arson attack on a Ukraine-linked business in the UK. The British authorities have confirmed that these incidents are related to “alleged hostile activity in the UK in order to benefit a foreign state, namely Russia”. This follows a wave of sanctions imposed by the UK and other Western countries on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite these measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed their significance, stating that “they all have problems through the roof, not even comparable to our problems”, and that Russia has experienced economic growth while the West faces major issues. However, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed an “unequivocal message to the Russian state” that “their actions will not go unanswered”. Cameron noted that since the invasion of Ukraine, “Russia’s attempts to undermine UK and European security have become increasingly brazen”. Moreover, Russia has previously retaliated against Western sanctions by imposing similar measures against individual Western politicians and officials. Cleverly warned that “in the coming days, we should expect accusations of Russophobia, conspiracy theories and hysteria from the Russian government”. He added that “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”.