The Bottom Line Upfront
The UK has expelled Russian defense attache Maxim Elovik, identifying him as a spy, in response to increasing "malign" Russian activity in Britain and Europe. Home Secretary James Cleverly has also announced sanctions, including the removal of diplomatic status from Russian-owned properties suspected of being used as spying bases and visa restrictions on Russian diplomats.
The Breakdown
- The expulsion of a Russian defense attack and the imposition of sanctions on Russian-owned properties highlight the UK's determination to combat Russian espionage and send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
- Colonel Maxim Elovik, a Russian military officer stationed in the UK for over a decade, has been identified as a spy and will be expelled.
- Several Russian-owned properties suspected of being used as spying bases will lose their diplomatic status.
- Visa restrictions will be imposed on Russian diplomats, limiting their stay in the UK.
- The expulsion of the Russian defense attache is the first since 2018 when 23 Russian diplomats were expelled following the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter.
- The recent arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked business in London believed to be orchestrated by the Kremlin, and the case of six Bulgarians charged with being part of a Russian spy ring in the UK have contributed to the decision to take action against Russian intelligence gathering.
- The UK is expelling Russian defense attache Maxim Elovik, accusing him of being a spy.
- Russian-owned properties suspected of being used as spying bases will lose their diplomatic status.
- Visa restrictions will be placed on Russian diplomats in the UK.
