UPDATE - Russia says it strips accreditation of 2 UK diplomats over alleged intelligence activities

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY; REVISES DECK

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia said on Monday that it stripped the accreditation of two British diplomats in the country over alleged intelligence activities.

The situation with regard to the two diplomats was uncovered during counterintelligence efforts, according to a statement by the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Both persons “intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, thereby violating Russian law,” the statement said.

It further said the FSB identified signs of intelligence and subversive work by the two individuals, which it said threatened Russia’s security.

“On this basis, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with interested departments, has decided to revoke Alkesh Odedra and Michael Skinner's accreditation,” the statement went on to say.

It added that the two had been ordered to leave the country within two weeks.

Separately, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it summoned a representative of the British Embassy in Moscow with regard to the incident, saying that the Russian side lodged a strong protest.

"It was once again emphasized that Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on Russian territory and that Russia's uncompromising line on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the interests of national security," said the ministry statement.

It added that the UK was also given a warning by the Russian side, stating that a "decisive mirror response" will be given to London if it escalates the situation further.

There has been no initial comment from British authorities on the matter.