Britain is taking measures to expel Russia’s defense attaché, Maxim Elovik, over spying allegations and to target Moscow’s intelligence gathering operations in the U.K. These measures include rescinding diplomatic status of Russian-owned properties and imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas. Home Secretary James Cleverly announced these actions as a response to what he called the “reckless and dangerous activities of the Russian government across Europe,” and aimed at sending an unequivocal message to Russia that their actions will not go unanswered.
The latest round of measures will involve expelling Elovik, who is described as an “undeclared military intelligence officer.” The diplomatic status of several Russian-owned properties believed to have been used for intelligence purposes will also be rescinded, along with new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas and visits. The U.K. has had a strained relationship with Russia for years, accusing its agents of targeted killings, espionage, cyberattacks on British parliamentarians, and leaking sensitive information to serve Russian interests. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.K. has sanctioned hundreds of wealthy Russians and tightened regulations on money laundering through London’s property and financial markets.
The government cited criminal cases in London alleging espionage and sabotage by individuals acting on behalf of Russia as part of the reason for the new measures. Allegations include Russia planning to sabotage military aid for Ukraine in Germany and Poland, carrying out spying operations in Bulgaria and Italy, engaging in cyber and disinformation activities, air space violations, and jamming GPS signals to disrupt civilian air traffic. Foreign Secretary David Cameron emphasized that the measures were a clear response to Russia’s attempts to undermine U.K. and European security, particularly since the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Elovik has been based in Britain since at least 2020, and Russian state news agency Tass reported that he was summoned to the U.K.’s Defense Ministry on the day Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He has been photographed paying tribute to Soviet soldiers who died during World War II in London and Manchester. Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of a response from Russia in kind to the U.K.’s actions. The U.K. government anticipated accusations of Russophobia, conspiracy theories, and hysteria from the Russian government but emphasized that the British people and government would not be swayed by such tactics.
The measures announced by the U.K. government are part of a wider effort to address the growing threat of Russia’s intelligence activities in Europe and to send a clear message to Moscow that such actions will not be tolerated. The expelling of Elovik, the rescinding of diplomatic status for Russian-owned properties, and the imposition of new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas are all steps designed to push back against Russia’s attempts to undermine U.K. and European security. The government’s actions follow criminal cases alleging espionage and sabotage by individuals acting on behalf of Russia, as well as a series of aggressive actions taken by Moscow, including air space violations and jamming GPS signals.
