Thus, what is referred to in the British media as “Putin’s palace” and “Kent’s Little Kremlin” goes up in flames.
It as part of a larger, targeted package from the British authorities intended to target Russian intelligenceCollection of information, often secret, about other countries or organizations in the country.
– Since the illegal invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s attempts to undermine British and European security have become more and more daring, says Foreign Minister David Cameron, and continues:
– These measures are a crystal clear message to the Russian state – Their actions will not go unpunished.
Throws out suspected spy
On Wednesday, the Russian ambassador to Great Britain was called on the carpet, and presented with the new moves:
- The British throw the Russian the defense attachéA military adviser who is part of an embassy and works on defense issues. out of the country, as they believe he is an unknown intelligence officerA spy working under the guise of another position, who is not officially recognized as an intelligence officer by his own country..
- Introduces new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including a maximum limit on how long they can stay in the UK
- They are removing diplomatic status from several Russian-owned properties that they believe are used for intelligence purposes, which in addition to Seacox Heath also applies to a property in London’s Highgate
The diplomatic status given to the properties has equated them to embassies, and in the 90s led to a conflict between a sheep farmer, the police and the Russian Embassy.
According to The Guardian, dogs from Seacox Heath killed dozens of the farmer’s sheep. The law allowed the farmer to shoot them, but the dogs slipped back onto the property – which is considered Russian territory.
– The property is ours, and everything here is covered diplomatic immunityA protection which means that diplomats cannot be prosecuted under the laws of the host country. according to international conventions, so yes, the dogs have immunity, but the dogs are not diplomats, said the then spokesperson for the Russian Embassy at the time.
Also read: The alarm went off for LO summits in Ukraine: – Russian terror
The venerable mansion was built in 1871, and has been owned by Russia since 1946. The stated use of the house is said to have been as a resort for embassy staff.
At the same time, residents of the nearby villages of Flimwell, Ticehurst and Wadhurst have complained about a large number of drones, sent from the estate, reportedly flying over their rooftops.
Back and forth
The British moves are the latest in a series between Britain and Russia.
On Wednesday evening, Russia’s Foreign Ministry promised that “any unfriendly action from London will receive an appropriate response”.
– Britain uses lies to defend anti-Russian moves, including the expulsion of the defense attache.
Earlier this week, the British ambassador was called on the carpet after David Cameron said Ukraine had the right to use British weapons to attack Russia.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the British Foreign Minister’s comments were proof that Britain is now in practice part of the conflict in Ukraine.
Furthermore, they warned that British military installations could be targeted both inside and outside Ukraine in response to attacks on Russian territory.
Home Secretary James Cleverly says the latest package of measures sends a strong message to Russia, and reduces Russia’s intelligence-gathering capabilities.
– We will stand firm in the face of the Russian threat to Great Britain and our way of life.
