The UK's Sunday Times reported on 23/8 that Russia recalled Ambassador Andrey Kelin. The move reportedly aimed to "compel the UK to reconsider its support for Ukraine". According to the newspaper, Russian officials have not yet nominated a replacement for Kelin, and embassy staff reportedly do not know when a successor will be appointed.

Kelin served as Russia's ambassador to the UK for over seven years, departing his post on 21/7. The British newspaper noted, "downgrading diplomatic relations by withdrawing an ambassador is one way for a government to express serious protest or dissatisfaction without completely severing ties."

Russia's online list of "senior diplomatic personnel" in the UK currently features only Vasily A Tsyganov, who serves as Charge d'Affaires ad interim.

Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin. *Photo: PA*

Responding to the Sunday Times report, the Russian embassy in the UK stated it had not provided the press with information implying Moscow's intent to downgrade diplomatic relations. The embassy asserted, "Russia-UK relations across all sectors have reached an unprecedented low, entirely due to London's proactive actions."

An embassy spokesperson stated Kelin had endeavored to maintain communication channels with the UK, accusing London of choosing a "path of confrontation" with Moscow. "He departed the UK hoping that a more constructive and respectful dialogue could be restored, should the UK reconsider its policies towards Russia," the spokesperson added, noting the Kremlin has yet to nominate a replacement.

The UK Foreign Office stated this is "a matter for the Russian Foreign Ministry". The office added, "we maintain an ambassador and an embassy in Moscow to sustain communication and voice concerns with the Russian government. We will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, a nation possessing the right to self-defense against Russia's aggression."

Last week, Moscow warned London would "pay a price" following reports that UK-manufactured drones, supplied to Ukraine, had been used in attacks deep within Russian territory.

The Russian embassy accused the UK of becoming an "accomplice and co-conspirator" in these attacks, asserting London deliberately chose a path of conflict escalation. The embassy declared, "the deeper the UK's involvement in the conflict and the more support it provides to Ukraine, the greater the price this country will have to pay."

The UK remains a strong supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, committing approximately 25 billion British pounds (33 billion USD) in aid, including 16 billion British pounds (21,8 billion USD) in military assistance.

In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its long-range attacks targeting objectives within Russian territory. Concurrently, Moscow has escalated its missile and drone attacks on adversary territory.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Sunday Times, Guardian)