London, August 23 – Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, after seven years in the post, in what analysts say could be a move to increase pressure on London over its support for Ukraine.
Kelin left the UK last month, but Moscow has not announced whether it will appoint a successor. His name has also been removed from the list of ambassadors on the Russian Embassy’s website.
Diplomatic Relations Face Further Strain
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and London over British military support for Ukraine. The Russian Embassy currently lists Vasily A. Siganov, the chargé d’affaires, as its only senior diplomatic representative in the UK.
Former British defence attaché to Moscow and Kyiv, John Foreman, said it was not unprecedented for an ambassadorial position to remain vacant temporarily. However, he suggested that Moscow’s decision could signal a longer-term downgrade in diplomatic relations, particularly given the deterioration in bilateral ties since 2018.
Russia Warns of Consequences
Tensions intensified last week after Britain confirmed reports that Ukraine had used drones manufactured by two British companies in attacks against Russia.
The Russian Embassy subsequently warned on Telegram that London would inevitably face consequences for such actions and that Moscow would respond.
A Russian Embassy spokesperson told The Sunday Times that Kelin had sought to keep channels for dialogue with Britain open. The spokesperson accused the British government of choosing confrontation with Russia but said Moscow hoped for constructive and respectful dialogue if London reconsidered its policies.
UK Says Support for Ukraine Will Continue
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office described the matter as an internal Russian decision.
The spokesperson said Britain’s ambassador and embassy in Moscow remain operational and reaffirmed that the UK would continue to support Ukraine against what it described as Russia’s illegal aggression.
The Kremlin has yet to nominate a replacement for Kelin, leaving the future level of diplomatic representation between Moscow and London uncertain.
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