Russia’s defence attache to Britain, Colonel Maxim Elovik, has been accused of espionage and subsequently expelled from the United Kingdom. Home Secretary James Cleverly called for an end to Russia’s “malign activity” as he announced the expulsion of Elovik, described as an “undeclared military intelligence officer” by the Home Office.
Cleverly informed Members of Parliament that Elovik would be immediately expelled, and several Russian diplomatic premises in the UK would be shut down. The message to Russia was clear: stop the illegal war, withdraw troops from Ukraine, and cease all malign activities.
Elovik had been in London since 2014 and had been seen at various wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Russian war casualties. Before his time in Britain, Elovik served as an assistant military attache at the Russian embassy in Washington.
The measures taken against Russia were in response to a “pattern of alleged Russian malign activity” across the UK and Europe, aimed at dismantling Russian intelligence-gathering operations. The actions included removing diplomatic status from Russian-owned properties and imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
Cleverly anticipated that the Kremlin would try to spread “conspiracy theories” and accusations of “Russophobia” in response to the measures. However, he asserted that the British government and people would not be swayed by such tactics.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed full support for the measures, condemning Russian interference and hostile activities in the UK and Europe. The upcoming public inquiry into the Salisbury poisonings of 2018, chaired by Baroness Hallett, will further investigate Russian actions in the UK.
The poisoning incidents in Salisbury, resulting in the death of Dawn Sturgess and the survival of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, highlighted the brazen disregard for the rule of law by the Russian government. The suspects, who claimed to be tourists, fled back to Moscow after the attacks.
The article also mentions other related events, such as the arrest of individuals charged with espionage activities on behalf of Russia and the upcoming trial of Bulgarians accused of spying for Russia.
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