Connect with us

International

SPY ROW: Russia moves to expel 50 more British diplomats

Published

on

SPY ROW: Russia moves to expel 50 more British diplomats

Hours after Russian authorities expelled diplomats from no less than 23 countries around the world, Vladimir Putin’s men have asked Britain to reduce its diplomatic staff in Russia by more than 50 people.

That order was conveyed by the Russian foreign ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova who told the media that Britain would have to cut “a little over 50” of its diplomats in Russia.

“We asked for parity. The Brits have 50 diplomats more than the Russians,” Zakharova said.

Read also: RUSSIA MEDDLING PROBE: Ex-Trump aide says he won’t comply with subpoena served by Mueller

The announcement is coming after Russia asked the UK to explain a search carried out by UK Border Force and Custom officers on an Aeroflot plane at London’s Heathrow airport on Friday.

The Russian embassy in a statement said; “Border Force and Customs officers have searched the aircraft that was conducting the Aeroflot flights 2582 / 2583, Moscow – London – Moscow. This kind of event is extraordinary.”

The embassy added that the British officials declined to specify the reasons for the search.

Reports say the search is not unconnected to the recent diplomatic row between Britain and Russia over the poisoning double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia on British soil.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now