Purported Russian Spy Expelled following Moscow’s Call to Cease ‘Harmful Actions’
The UK has expelled Russia’s defence attache, Col. Maxim Elovik, over spying allegations. Home Secretary James Cleverly urged Russia to halt its “malign activity” and closed several Russian diplomatic premises.
Elovik, described as an “undeclared military intelligence officer,” has been in the UK since 2014. He was seen at wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Russian war casualties in 2020 and 2023.
Last month, five individuals were charged with espionage activities on behalf of Russia, marking the first prosecutions under the National Security Act. They are accused of acting against Ukrainian businesses in London.
The UK implemented measures to counter Russian intelligence-gathering operations, including closing certain Russian-owned properties and imposing restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas.
Despite anticipated Russian accusations of “Russophobia” and conspiracy theories, Cleverly emphasized that the UK will not tolerate such behaviors. Labour supported the measures and condemned Russian interference and hostile activity in the UK and Europe.
An inquiry into the 2018 Salisbury poisonings is scheduled for the autumn, shedding light on the targeted former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and the unfortunate death of Dawn Sturgess due to Novichok poisoning.
Two Russian suspects associated with the Salisbury incident claimed to be tourists visiting the cathedral and later returned to Moscow.
PA Media contributed to this report.
