Russia expels British diplomat over spying, imposes entry ban on 30

Russia on Tuesday announced the expulsion of a British diplomat over charges of espionage, reported Xinhua.

The British diplomat, identified as Wilkes Edward Prior, was accused of providing false information on his documents and carrying out espionage and sabotage activities, the TASS news agency reported, citing Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

He must leave Russia within two days, the FSB said.

Meanwhile, the British ambassador to Russia was also summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the report.

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday banned 30 British citizens from entering Russia's territory "in response to the hostile actions of the British side."

The sanction list includes members of Britain's political establishment, military blocs, high-tech companies as well as news outlets, said the ministry in a statement.

British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and several other high-ranking officials are high on the list.

Russia is set to further expand the sanction list in response to the hostilities by the British authorities, according to the ministry.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador to Russia and filed a protest after expelling a British diplomat over charges of espionage.