Russia says it strips accreditation of 2 UK diplomats over alleged intelligence activities

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia said on Monday that it stripped the accreditation of two British diplomats in the country over alleged intelligence activities.

The situation with regard to the two diplomats was uncovered during counterintelligence efforts, according to a statement by the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Both persons “intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, thereby violating Russian law,” the statement said.

It further said the FSB identified signs of intelligence and subversive work by the two individuals, which it said threatened Russia’s security.

“On this basis, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with interested departments, has decided to revoke Alkesh Odedra and Michael Skinner's accreditation,” the statement went on to say.

It added that the two had been ordered to leave the country within two weeks.

Separately, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Telegram that it summoned a representative of the British Embassy in Moscow with regard to the incident.

There has been no initial comment from British authorities on the matter.